Employ 50 individuals with Disabilities in Texas

Best Buddies Jobs Program – competitive employment for people with disabilities -Three Month Report

Because the Best Buddies Jobs Program is a high-touch and highly individualized methodology, tried and tested over the past 20 years, our participants are highly set up for success. Our participants consistently tell us and anyone who will listen, that Best Buddies helped them find their dream job. By initially getting to know our participants’ talents and interests, we help our participants explore career opportunities both within and beyond their comfort zone. One of our participants simply couldn’t decide what he really wanted to do, so our staff member drove him to 5 different establishments ranging from behind-the-scenes work to customer facing retail to full customer interaction opportunities. Michael observed employees at work, spoke to existing staff to see how they liked their jobs and the culture of the establishment, and asked lots of questions. At the end of the day, the clear match was to work at Bahama Bucks as Michael is outgoing and loves to have fun. He went through the application process, was hired, and is still happily employed 6 months later. This was above and beyond the norm for our employment program, but this is how much Best Buddies staff truly cares about our participants with different abilities, and another reason why we are successful. We very much place quality over quantity. Of course, placement goals and constituents served still hold accountability and require efficiency – a balance of time, attention, and placement success.

90% of Jobs Program participants are satisfied or highly satisfied with their employer, job responsibilities, salary, and Best Buddies Texas' services overall based on survey findings. A participant recently hit their one year anniversary and stated that not only was this the first anniversary she had ever experienced at a job, but this was the first job that she had ever worked where she earned an actual paycheck. Heather was in her midforties when she finally had the opportunity to work with a Best Buddies Employment Consultant. With support, she was able to obtain a job in child care, a lifelong dream of hers, and is now thriving as a Child Watch Attendant for the YMCA. This job has provided Heather with an opportunity to contribute to her living
expenses, take her boyfriend out on dates, buy Christmas gifts for her nieces and nephews, and has helped her make new friends and bond with coworkers who say she is a joy to work with.

Fran, upon her 90-day review at her new job at a childcare center, was given a 5/5 rating in all categories, and an immediate raise of an additional $2/hour.

Our participants in North Texas work an average of 22.95 hours with an average hourly wage of $13.05, both above the national average for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Best Buddies has been able to not only secure these integrated and competitive placements, but also provide opportunities for our participants based on their own interests and goals. Employers include the typical retail and customer service positions, but also positions in education, healthcare, and recreation.

Thank you for your investment in our mission of inclusion for people of all abilities!