Jaylen is participating in The Arc of Chester County’s Comprehensive Employment Services at Friend’s Home in Kennett.

“I love working with my job coaches and everyone around me at work!” Jaylen says.

The CES supports transition-age youth 14-21 and adults with disabilities to find and maintain employment in their communities.

The Arc’s CES program also works with businesses to employ, train, and supervise individuals to help them meet their job qualifications.

Individuals entering The Arc’s CES program are matched with an Employment Training Specialist (ETS).

Jaylen works with Patty Samms at The Arc of Chester County, completing a comprehensive assessment. Together, they identified goals for Jaylen.

Discussions about personal goals are integral to this process and drive the discovery phase. An individual career plan was developed and Patty provided one-on-one assistance with job searches, application submissions, job interviews, on-the-job training, and ongoing job coaching.

Jaylen then started at the Friend’s Home in Kennett.

When asked about Jaylen’s experience, his mom, Mindy, stated, “Jaylen often dances into and out of his work building, I think he likes it a lot!”

The Arc’s CES program fosters personal growth and self-advocacy for job seekers with disabilities to enjoy the same benefits that are available to typical employees, such as health insurance, employee assistance, and retirement benefits.

In addition to these tangible benefits, participants gain a network of natural supports through their co-workers and peers, deepening their involvement in their community.

Since 1952, The Arc of Chester County has led the way in making inclusive opportunities available to people with disabilities in Chester County and the surrounding areas.

It is a respected voice for people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The organization continues to be committed to advocate, educate, and provide services to empower individuals with disabilities and their families to enhance the quality of their lives.

Find out more about the Arc of Chester County.