Services & Programs

Enhanced Community Options (ECO), created from the Commercial Support Services model of working being a priority for those people participating, expands employment opportunities further into the community and adds choices leading to greater independence. ECO supports people in developing needed work skills and employment exploration based on individual vocational goals. People also have options beyond vocational aspirations: making community connections, developing independent living skills, accessing community opportunities, building social networks.

Supported Employment services do just that: support people in integrated competitive work settings. Employment is found based on individual choices and capabilities at a variety of community businesses. There are options for working on a crew based upon the needs of a given employer. Individuals are also supported in their own community jobs to ensure the needed skills are developed and maintained.

This program offers, to qualified applicants, a 9-month paid internship at Embassy Suites in Walnut Creek. During the 9-month period, interns are given experience working in 3 different departments: housekeeping, food & beverage, office work/maintenance, allowing interns to develop a variety of work skills and explore vocational options. The work week consists of 24.5 hours of work with an additional 5.5 hours of classroom time. Interns successfully completing the program are guaranteed assistance with finding competitive employment.

This program supports participants in facilitating their inclusion in all aspects of employment and other community offerings. Service are provided primarily with small groups of individuals who determine and direct the activities and services. While the focus is on employment, the scope of activities includes: self-advocacy, job exploration and training, paid employment, volunteerism, mobility training, educational opportunities, and social skills training.