Meadowlark Employment Services

Our whole team gathered in Portland, Oregon, last week for The DPI Group's Annual Meeting! We learned from a variety of speakers and were able to connect with colleagues on our team and at DPI, which was awesome. As you can see, Dwight and Brandon had a lovely time. :)

We love to see stories about creating employment opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities! Thank you Bitty & Beau's Coffee for the big impact you're making. If you're interested in coming to Oregon, we'd love to chat! :)

A Fast-Growing Coffee Chain Is Creating Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities With 20 locations around the country, Bitty & Beau’s coffee shop is dedicated to advancing the inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the workplace.

Delana had a great time at the career fair in Scappoose yesterday, helping to spread the word about our services in Columbia County and connecting with companies in the area! The DPI Group had its own table, including Liz from DPI Security and Saoni from DPI Staffing - Portland, our sister companies.

The Disability Employment Resource Fair at The DPI Group with Community Services Network is in full swing through 3 p.m. today, Thursday, April 11! Delana and Christina have already connected with lots of great job seekers.

We're excited for nicer weather as we are out and about visiting our clients at job sites this spring! Here's Joe buffing the floors at Middleton High School outside of Boise.

Less than a month to go before our Disability Employment Resource Fair with Community Services Network! We hope you'll join us on Thursday, April 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The DPI Group (4950 NE MLK Jr. Blvd., Portland, OR 97211).

Many amazing partners will be tabling and offering employment info, transportation resources, healthcare resources, disability supports, and much more.

Thanks to our amazing sponsors CareOregon The DPI Group Washman Car Wash & Auto Spa and DPI Security for your support.

Check out this great story on Popcorn for the People, which provides meaningful employment for individuals with autism through the creation of gourmet popcorn.

See how popcorn is helping the livelihood for those with autism and developmental disabilities | CNN Business CNN’s Danny Freeman reports on “Popcorn for the People” a non-profit founded by Sam Bier, a 33-year-old on the autism spectrum who is providing jobs for people with autism and developmental disabilities making popcorn.

We're thrilled to share a letter from Nick, who with the help of our Senior Job Developer Delana, was able to land a position at H&R Block. We're so happy for Nick's success, and greatly appreciate his kind words.

"Before I began service with my job coach Delana, within Meadowlark I felt defeated in trying to find a job after all the recovery from military service. I would get interviews but never past that. I started feeling like society didn't want me, even though I wanted to work again in society and give in return. I didn't want to go back to college, I just wanted to work and get my life back on track after a large gap in my employment history.

I went into Vocational Rehabilitation and a few months in I decided it wouldn't hurt to get a job coach to help me find a job. Was assigned to Meadowlark and Delana became my job coach. We discussed what my goals were and what I wanted to do for a job. We did a few job shadows. Revamped my resume. The first three jobs applied for positions that fit my resume. I got through the initial wave and got interview requests. I did my first interview with H&R Block for the front desk. During the interview she said that I would be a great fit for Accelerated Tax Associate with my technology background and human resources.

I was hesitant, but I've always loved learning new things, so I took the job. With no background in taxes, I was worried I wasn't going to fit in. But with training and the will to challenge myself. I found that I enjoyed the job and learning how to do taxes and operate software programs. Also become good at doing customer service and trying to find solutions for the client and be understanding of their situation. I am very grateful to be given this job and to have gotten job coaching help from Delana at Meadowlark! She is an excellent job coach and goes the extra mile thank you, Delana!"

Meet Austen, pictured here in a Work Based Learning Experience at Grandpa's Attic Thrift Store in Kuna, ID. Work Based Learning Experiences help our participants to gain work experience in a community-based setting, and we greatly appreciate the employers like Grandpa's Attic who offer this opportunity.

Nothing makes us happier than seeing our clients succeeding on the job! This is Anthony, who works as a janitor at the West Valley Humane Society in Caldwell, Idaho.

Interested in learning what services we offer in the Boise area? Head to our website! https://www.meadowlarkjobs.org/for-job-seekers/boise-area

Save the date!!! Our Disability Resource Fair with Community Services Network is April 11, 2024, in Portland. Last year's inaugural fair was a big success and we're looking forward to another great event.

More details to come as the event draws closer!

It's one thing for our clients to read a job description; it's another for them to actually go and see the work site and job duties. From Senior Job Developer Delana, who works in Columbia County Oregon:

"Justin is a Store Director over at Safeway located in Saint Helens. When I first began speaking to him on behalf of a client inquiring a job shadow, he did not understand what this entailed. Once I fully explained the process of a job shadow and the benefits for both job seekers and employers, he was on board. Justin is very easy to work with and enjoys allowing job seekers to learn more about his store. In the month of December Meadowlark has had 3 different job shadows in his store. And we've had 4 job seekers who have successfully applied to Safeway in Saint Helens!"

Thank you, Justin, for your support!

We've been thrilled to expand to Columbia County Oregon and meet so many employers who are supportive of employing people with disabilities. Delana, our Senior Job Developer in Columbia County, reports:

"Anna over at Best Western Oak Meadows has been such a pleasure to work with. As a hotel manager she is very knowledgeable about the benefits in job shadows for job seekers who are looking to gain better understandings of jobs and job duties. Best Western has graciously allowed 5 different employment activities to take place this past fall. All 5 candidates showed appreciation for how welcoming and understanding the Best Western staff had been. Though I have not yet found a placement for the Best Western out here in Columbia County, I am sure there will be a job seeker in the future who will want to turn their employment activity into a career with Best Western."

Thanks so much, Anna and Best Western!

Supported Employment Specialist Dwight Zitek is out and about in the community every day, supporting clients in the Boise area. Our Program Manager had a community partner share what an excellent job Dwight is doing supporting a client who works there, and how exceptionally happy they are to have Dwight at the job site. Thank you, Dwight, for the wonderful work you do!

The fabulous Christina and Harmony represented Meadowlark at the Hillsboro Student Services Family Engagement Night on Thursday, Nov. 2!

This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we want to remind you that your unique abilities and talents are a vital part of our community. At Meadowlark Employment Services, we're not just committed to finding jobs for people with disabilities - we're passionate about finding the RIGHT job, one that aligns with your interests, skills, and career goals.

We believe in the Employment First Model, which means integrated jobs are the first and priority option when planning employment services. We're here to support you every step of the way, from preparing for the job hunt to landing that dream role. Don't let anything hold you back from achieving your career aspirations. Together, let's make this month a celebration of your potential and the valuable contributions you make to our workforce.

Find out more about how Meadowlark can support your employment goals here: https://www.meadowlarkjobs.org/for-job-seekers

We're sorry to report that our event scheduled for Nov. 9 has been canceled. We'll let you know when we've got a rescheduled date!

Attention all job seekers with disabilities and those interested in disability resources! Meadowlark Employment Services, Community Services Network and The DPI Group are excited to invite you to our upcoming Meadowlark Disability Resource Fair. We're thrilled to have a host of partner and sponsor organizations joining us, including Washman Car Wash & Auto Spa, McMenamins Pubs, Breweries & Historic Hotels, Jubitz, Walgreens, MOD Pizza and many more.


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Atención a todos los buscadores de empleo con discapacidad y aquellos interesados en recursos para discapacitados! Meadowlark Employment Services, CSN y The DPI Group están emocionados de invitarte a nuestra próxima Feria de Recursos para Discapacitados de Meadowlark. Nos complace contar con una gran cantidad de organizaciones asociadas y patrocinadoras que se unirán a nosotros, incluyendo Washman Car Wash & Auto Spa, McMenamins Pubs, Breweries & Historic Hotels, Jubitz, Walgreens, MOD Pizza y muchos más.

At Meadowlark Employment Services we are continuing to celebrate (National Disability Employment Awareness Month). We passionately believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive in an inclusive and supportive work environment.

We're committed to Oregon’s Employment First Model, which emphasizes that integrated jobs should be the first and priority option when planning employment services for working-age adults and youth. We see the potential, not the limitation. We see the capability, not the disability.

This past year, we've been working tirelessly to promote inclusivity and equality in the workplace. Want to see how we're impacting lives?

Read our annual report to learn more about our efforts and achievements - https://bit.ly/3LYbW2Z

For National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we'd like to remind folks that not all disabilities are observable with the naked eye. From mental health struggles to chronic pain, learning differences to neurological disorders, these invisible disabilities shape the lives of so many in our community.

At Meadowlark Employment Services, we strive to create equal opportunities for all, regardless of the type of disability. Let's work towards a future where everyone is seen, heard, and valued in the workplace.

Here is a great article about the importance of inclusivity and reducing the stigma around invisible disabilities - https://bityl.co/LfJW

How to make workplaces more inclusive for people with invisible disabilities Disability inclusion at work includes accommodations for the physically disabled as well as those with invisible challenges, like depression and diabetes.

This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, let's debunk some myths about disability employment. People with disabilities are not only capable of working, but they also bring unique perspectives and skills to the workplace.

At Meadowlark Employment Services, we see the potential in every individual and help them find meaningful employment opportunities. Let's challenge misconceptions and create more inclusive workplaces for everyone!

Read on to debunk the myths about hiring people with disabilities - https://bityl.co/LfJ1

Debunking Disability Employment Myths Myths surrounding disability employment impact underemployment and unemployment.

We are continuing our celebration of (National Disability Employment Awareness Month) here in mid October. Help us spread the word about the importance of disability inclusion!

Did you know that the Department of Labor is investing millions into helping employ people with disabilities? This is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive workforce.

At Meadowlark Employment Services, we're committed to supporting this initiative by providing job development and coaching services to adults with disabilities. Together, let's make every workplace a place for everyone!
Read more about how the Department of Labor's recent investment - https://bityl.co/LfIk

DOL Invests Millions Into Helping Employ People with Disabilities The U.S. government has recently funded programs to support the employment prospects of individuals with disabilities.

Did you know organizations that are inclusive of people with disabilities benefit from a wider pool of talent, skills, and creative business solutions? At Meadowlark Employment Services, we believe in the power of diversity and inclusion and we are proud to support individuals with disabilities through their employment journey. It's part of our core mission to provide equitable and accessible employment opportunities to the members of our community with disabilities.
Join us in celebrating (National Disability Employment Awareness Month) and the positive impact diversity has on the workplace and in our lives.

National Disability Employment Awareness Month: Advancing Access and Equity Each October, during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, or “NDEAM,” we celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities. Reflecting the ...

Today marks the first day of National Disability Employment Awareness Month! NDEAM celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit employers and employees. This year's theme is "Advancing Access and Equity." Head to the Office of Disability Employment Policy website for all the details and ideas for how to recognize this important month.

https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/initiatives/ndeam

Recently a client in our STEP program who dreams of owning a recording studio had the chance to visit Super Secret Studios for a tour and to talk to the owner about the business. Thank you so much to the owner for sharing his space and experience! The client is also taking small business training courses through PCC in order to pursue this goal.

STEP helps our clients achieve their career goals. Get in touch with us to learn if you might be eligible.

We hope you'll join some events in recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October!

Save the date! A series of in-person and virtual events in October will celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). It’s a time to celebrate the contributions people with disabilities have made in workplaces. It’s also a time to recognize businesses that support employees with disabilities.

Read more:https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/directors-messages/odds-2023-09-13-director-ndeam-en.pdf

We're sorry to report that this event has been canceled. We'll let you know when we reschedule!

Our first ever Disability Employment & Resource Fair with Community Services Network in April was such a success that we're hosting another one this fall! Save the date for November 9, 2023, and stay tuned for many more details.

It was so wonderful to get most of our team together last week for The DPI Group's Annual Meeting!

Did you know that July marks the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? In honor of this milestone, the Oregon Disabilities Commission, Oregon Department of Human Services, Northwest ADA Center and Disability Rights Oregon are hosting a series of lunchtime webinars. Learn more and sign up at https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/SENIORS-DISABILITIES/ADVISORY/ODC/Pages/ADA-Celebration.aspx?