Workforce received a referral from the FSC site manager in Lawrence for a gentleman that needed a new career path. When the Workforce Specialist met with Gregory to help him apply for the Employment Program, it was discovered that he had disabilities that were making it difficult for him to find an employment opportunity he could do. Once Gregory was approved for the program, he immediately started working on creating his resume and completing the Workforce Program’s online soft/hard skills training to prepare him for employment. The Workforce Specialist reached out to Cottonwood, Inc. that works with individuals that have mental and physical disabilities and was able to set up a time for Gregory to meet and tour the location. Gregory really enjoyed the atmosphere and was able to fill out an application to work there while on the tour. A few days later, he interviewed and soon after was hired on to work at Cottonwood Inc.
During the first week of employment, it was discovered that Gregory needed his service animal to be physically at work with him during his shifts. The Workforce Team started working more with Cottonwood to find accommodations for the his needs. Cottonwood was accommodating to try and help find a solution to allow Gregory to have his service dog be with him on the job each day while keeping the safety and atmosphere of the facility in mind. The employer spoke with HR and decided to give it a try of having the dog sit next to the client while he worked. Gregory would need to get some items to ensure the safety and sanitation of the facility and the care for the dog in mind. He would need to get a service vest for the dog, a water bowl, and supplies to clean up after the dog outside. The dog was also about due on his yearly vaccinations and would need to have documentation that they were updated before the dog could be at work with him. Catholic Charities was able to help Gregory purchase all of these items as he had not received his first paycheck yet to purchase the items on his own. The items were shipped directly to Gregory so he could have them in time to get back to work while Catholic Charities was closed for the Christmas holiday season. In addition, Catholic Charities was able to help Gregory get his dog’s vaccinations completed at the Humane Society in town and was able to get him a same-day appointment too.
In all, Gregory was able to successfully return to work with his service dog by his side. He has been thriving the last few months in his new career and is loving the work he is doing with his important companion to help him along the way.
