Ancor North of Lookout Mountain Community Services is all about people helping people.
The nonprofit organization is working to introduce supported employment opportunities at local businesses for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Supported employment specialist Rebecca Clark said she believes the community is made richer and stronger by their presence.
A participant in Ancor North’s day program stocks items at a local store.“In years past, people with developmental disabilities did not have this opportunity and people didn’t understand the valuable opportunity they can bring to businesses,” she said. “Employment has been a problem for many in recent years, but the employment outlook for adults with disabilities, particularly individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, is especially hard.”
Ancor North’s day program allows adults with developmental disabilities to gain income through various jobs associated with the packaging and sorting of products, cleaning, organizing and much more. Individuals are accompanied by an Ancor staff member on the job site. The skills learned and the work environment teach responsibility and provide a sense of worth, Clark said.
She said she hopes these individuals will transition into the business on a long-term basis, providing them the freedom, comfort and security that a work setting can provide.
“They are citizens and deserve the same rights as we do,” Clark said. “The same things we find rewarding in life, they do too.”
It can be a rewarding program for both the businesses and the individuals involved, she said.
“They receive a great deal of satisfaction and feeling of pride and accomplishment when they work and know they’ve done a good job,” said Clark. “We are trying to generate interest and collaboration with the business community and benefit them with something they need.”
The day program provides community access, pre-vocational services, family support, employment and residential services to people with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
Contact Rebecca Clark at 423-364-2910 or email rebeccac@lmcs.org to learn more about these opportunities or how to partner with Ancor North.