Special Needs Living September 2021 Digital Issue

Page 22

Donate.

Volunteer.

Engage.

Partner.

In 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics reported that only 19.3 percent of persons with a disability were employed. Starkly contrasting that number, the employment-population ratio for persons without a disability was 66.3 percent. As the economy has been further impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, the employment opportunities of many individuals with a disability have been put in jeopardy. Building Essential Skills Together, Inc. stands poised to make a difference by providing meaningful skill-development and employment opportunities for teenagers and adults of all abilities.

By: Seth M. Nunan, PhD Manger, Building Essential Skills Together, Inc.

What We Do Skill-development workshops ● Participants engage in activities designed to improve independence and vocational preparedness. Focal points include following directions, solving problems, performing tasks to completion, and communicating needs. Individuals also learn skills to support career development such as appropriate dress and hygiene, managing finances, and job field specific abilities. Volunteer Opportunities ● Occasionally, employment is not the right path for those we serve. So, we seek to develop volunteer opportunities on par with our supported employment experiences. Our teens and young adults can still gain valuable transferable vocational and social skills volunteering with B.E.S.T. Burgers & Fries, More Than Mops, and Building Essential Skills Together as part of the broader mission to positively impact families and communities. Supported Employment ● With B.E.S.T. Burgers & Fries, team members learn skills in food preparation, money handling, and customer engagement while operating the food truck at community events. ● Through business to business partnerships, our team with More Than Mops participates in indoor and outdoor cleaning and maintenance projects. They develop skills in the use of hand and power tools, carrying out floor plan setup, detail-oriented cleaning, and more!

How to Support the Mission ● ● ● ●

HOST our food truck at your business or event HIRE our cleaning & maintenance services for your business SPONSOR and/or participate in one of our fundraising events. DONATE ○ buildingessentialskills.org/donate ○ Venmo @BESTsnacks ○ Facebook @buildingessentialskills ○ Product donations (Amazon Smile)

The Next B.E.S.T. Way to Get Involved!

On Thursday, August 12, we will be hosting our first in-person fundraising event at the Country Club of Indianapolis. Whether you are always in the rough or on par to be the next club pro, we look forward to having you join us as a player or a sponsor at the first annual B.E.S.T. Golf Outing!

The day will be a full one from registration until the last putt is sunk. With food, drinks, contests, prizes, and a great game of golf, all hosted by your Building Essential Skills Together team, your involvement significantly impacts the lives of an Visit buildingessentialskills.org or contact us at serve@buildingesesntialskills.org to register your team or to engage as an event sponsor! We cannot wait to see you on the links!

Contact us! ● ● ● ●

22 Special Needs Living • September 2021

www.buildingessentialskills.org Facebook @buildingessentialskills Email to serve@buildingessentialskills.org Phone at 317-520-4748


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