Following remarkable growth of Allies’ supported employment services offered in New Jersey and Delaware, Allies announces that the agency’s supported employment services now reach more than 120 people.
Interest in entering the supported employment space kicked off in 2022, when supported employment services were introduced to Allies’ comprehensive list of provided services. During that time period, Luke Washack was responsible for the growth and success of the supportive employment initiative. Due to Luke’s success in fostering Allies’ supported employment services, Luke has been promoted to the position of Vice President of Vocational Services.
Since 2022, Allies’ supported employment services provided services to more than 120 people in nine counties throughout New Jersey. In addition to New Jersey, Supported Employment Services are offered in Delaware.
“[Our supported employment services] grew from something we wanted to be successful someday to something that is actively growing,” Washack said. “This is also a very meaningful milestone for me. This is something I hoped I would be able to accomplish one day.”
The growth and incorporation of supported employment services is illustrative of Allies’ stated mission of providing housing, healthcare, meaningful employment and recreational activities to people with special needs in the communities of their choice.
“It can be lifechanging for someone to find a job they enjoy and are good at,” Washack said. “We intend to continue growing.”
The supported employment department will offer pre-vocational training and supported employment services including job coaching and long-term follow-along. In addition, the department has received early approval to offer Pre-Employment Transition Services, Washack said.
“Being able to offer these services to school districts is very helpful,” Washack said. “This enhances programs the schools are already involved with.
Pre-employment transition services include job exploration counseling and workplace readiness training.
“We want to continue closing the gap in being able to provide services along the whole continuum of care,” Washack said.
Currently, the vocational services department consists of 17 dedicated staff, including two regional supervisors.