Did you know that over the next ten years, a half a million teens with autism will enter into adulthood? 93% of adults with autism are unemployed or underemployed. Easterseals Midwest is trying to change that. Easterseals offers a variety of training and placement services that help people prepare for the workforce — for many, meaningful work is often the key to overcoming challenges and engaging with the community.
One of Easterseals’ initiatives is its LINK program, a visual and hands-on curriculum designed to teach social skills for the workplace. Two LINK program graduates, Andersen Williams and Stephen Lehmann, are now Focal Pointe employees, assisting with a variety of landscaping duties on multiple job sites.
We spoke with Andersen and Stephen to hear first-hand about their employment experience at Focal Pointe:
How do you feel everything is going here at Focal Pointe?
“It’s great, I like showing up and being busy.”
What do you like most about your job?
“It feels like I’m doing something good and I enjoy working with others as a team.”
How does it make you feel to wake up and put on the Focal Pointe uniform?
“ I feel like it’s time to turn on work mode, it’s time to persist on doing something and avoid being lazy.”
Anything you would like to add?
“Prepare, pursue, persist is what my mom taught me and I just think of that every day when I come to work.”
How do you feel everything is going here at Focal Pointe?
“Everything is going great.”
What do you like most about your job?
“I enjoy working for Focal Pointe as it gives me something to do and to get out of the house.”
What does working for Focal Pointe mean to you?
“Working for Focal Pointe means to me I get to keep things clean of debris and weeds, as well as working as a team.”
How does it make you feel to wake up and put on the Focal Pointe uniform?
“It is my favorite job I have ever had and is incredible to wear the uniform and help out on campus.”
Anything you would like to add?
“I also enjoy working outdoors.”
“Since beginning to partner with Easterseals this year, we have added two individuals to our team,” said John Munie, president and founder of Focal Pointe. “With assistance from Easterseals job coaches, the onboarding process was seamless. It did not take long for Andersen and Stephen to integrate into our daily routines and fit our culture. Their attention to detail and work ethic are recognized and valued by the rest of the team, and our clients – they have been outstanding additions. There are very few activities in life more valuable than helping others see their vast potential. That’s the inspiring work Easterseals is doing for the community, and we are very proud and grateful to be working with them.”
About Easterseals
Easterseals has been helping individuals with disabilities and special needs and their families live better lives for 100 years. From child development centers to physical rehabilitation and job training, Easterseals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life’s challenges and achieve personal goals.