January 2023 Special Needs Living Akron/Canton

EMPOWERING ALL TO SOAR! Introducing you to TWi

WRITTEN BY SARAH SMITH

TWi was founded in 1968 with the purpose of securing, providing and promoting training, work opportunities and job placement for local adults with developmental disabilities. Fifty-four years later, the organization continues to abide by this purpose. Over the years, service offerings have been expanded to support individuals with disabilities in all aspects of life, making independence and employment a more obtainable goal.

Many of those served by TWi started off by participating in vocational training and are now independently employed. The organization’s goal is to empower each person to progress through their employment journey by focusing on their strengths and by connecting them with the right opportunities. TWi offers tiers of employment services — vocational training, group employment and individual employment.

Vocational training exposes participants to a variety of employment opportunities and functions. Through vocational training, folks learn skills necessary for the workforce while earning an income. Through partnerships with local businesses, group employment provides adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to work in a community setting while further developing work skills. TWi transports folks to and from their workplace and supervises them throughout the day. Many adults with developmental disabilities work in the community or want to work in the community. For those working, TWi provides job coaching from a workforce consultant on a regular basis to empower folks to maintain or grow in their current place of employment.

TWi was operated by Stark DD until 2018. In 2018, TWi became an independent nonprofit organization based in Stark County. The organization serves nearly 400 local individuals with developmental disabilities each year, has 100 staff, and employs over 250 individuals with developmental disabilities. The organization provides labor services to businesses and nonprofits, as well as a range of training and enrichment programs for the individuals in its programs. TWi currently operates two-day service locations within Stark County in addition to an art studio. Additionally, TWi partners with local businesses to provide labor services, including production and assembly, food services, document destruction, landscaping and janitorial services.

“We empower people to achieve more by providing a range of opportunities, backed by the resources they need to succeed, including training, encouragement, expertise and personal attention,” said Rachel Doty, marketing manager at TWi. Day services involve providing adults with a safe environment where they can interact with others and gain vocational habilitation and preemployment skills. In employment services, participants build work skills through individual or group employment with local organizations. They gain experience from qualified supervisors in a variety of work types and earn a paycheck.

“As an organization, we excel at employment,” Doty added. “We bring people together, uniting individual dreams with the practical needs of today’s employers. By integrating capable, diligent participants into workplaces and public spaces, we’re strengthening businesses and the community.”

TWi is always looking for new partners and employment opportunities for the individuals it serves. With TWi as a partner, businesses receive reliable, highquality management of jobs and tasks while also creating jobs for local adults with developmental disabilities. TWi’s business services include janitorial, lawn maintenance, document destruction, production and assembly and food services.

For individuals with developmental disabilities seeking employment, TWi is currently hiring for a number of positions. Those interested in working for TWi should first contact their SSA and request an interview with TWi.

For more information, please visit www.ChooseTWi.com or call 330479-3958. TWi is located at 4065