BEST BUDDIES JOBS PROGRAM

BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL

Best Buddies Mission Programs Jobs Program Program Breakdown Benefits Employment Partners Conclusion

BEST BUDDIES JOBS PROGRAM

Agenda

BEST BUDDIES MISSION

Global Volunteer Movement

“Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates

opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people

with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).”

“In the business to put ourselves out of business”

Social integration of IDD without advocates

Seven programs address acceptance throughout a lifetime

Best Buddies Middle Schools Best Buddies High Schools Best Buddies Colleges Best Buddies e-Buddies Best Buddies Citizens Best Buddies Ambassadors Best Buddies Jobs

BEST BUDDIES PROGRAMS

Accomplishing our mission

Best Buddies Jobs furthers the integration of people with intellectual disabilities into the community through supported employment. Our focus is on developing competitive, integrated jobs that allow participants to earn an income, pay taxes, and work in an

environment alongside their peers in the community, leading to full inclusion and self independence. Best Buddies Jobs conducts a person centered approach with each

participant. We work with the individual to ultimately achieve their personal employment goals. We provide coaching in essential job and interviewing skills, and once a job is

secured, we assist with on-the-job training. Job placement for participants depends on the factors such as their skill and abilities, location, and vocational preference. Once fully

adjusted to their job, we continue supporting participants with jobs in coaching for continued career development. We pride ourselves on developing jobs in professional

environments. Our employers range from some of the top law firms and talent agencies to well-known retail businesses and luxury hotels.

 The President’s Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities has recognized Best

Buddies Jobs as a national model of supported employment focusing on white collar and other

nontraditional employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

BEST BUDDIES JOBS

“A little over 2 years ago, I opened my own law firm after 20+ years in big firms. I’ve ridden the Best Buddies Hyannis Port Challenge every year since its inception. I wanted to do more for Best Buddies but my prior firms would not support hiring a buddy. In my new firm I wanted to employ people who enjoyed their work and would be a positive influence on firm culture. I felt pretty sure we could find such an employee through Best Buddies.We worked closely with Jake and his team to find the right fit. We talked about job descriptions, allowing things

to take shape and then modifying duties and responsibilities where necessary. A candidate emerged and we hired Susan Goddard. Best Buddies could not have been more helpful in assimilating Susan into the firm. It’s

been a smashing success. Susan provides critical assistance in our information management by scanning documents. She is a key player in clearing out old files and making space for new matters. Filing space is at a

premium so we really need her help. We are lucky to have her. The entire experience has been energizing, motivating, productive and fun. I can’t thank Best Buddies enough for making our firm a better place.”

TESTIMONIALS FROM CURRENT EMPLOYERS:

– Peter Barlow, Partner, Kates & Barlow, PC

“Companies spend a lot of money trying to make employees happy

through different benefit programs and perks. I can tell you unequivocally

that the best thing Kel & Partners has ever done for our employees in the ten

years we have been in business was to hire our Best Buddy, Alosha.

The happiness Alosha brings every single day trumps all the other things

we do for employee happiness. From work at home Fridays to beer on tap

in the office to dogs at work, nothing elevates the happiness level and

ignites more smiles than Alosha. He is a gift to us all and I can’t think

of a company on the planet who shouldn’t hire a Best Buddy.”

– Kel Kelly, Founder & CEO, Kel & Partners

“Eaton Vance will always be grateful to Best Buddies for bringing

Billy O’Brien into our work family. Energetic, hard-working and well-liked,

Billy has become a familiar and welcome face on all 10 floors of our company as

he makes his daily rounds. It is a privilege to work with Billy, and we hope

he spends the rest of his career in the Eaton Vance fold.”

– Jeff Beale, Vice President/Chief Administrative Officer, Eaton Vance Investment Managers

TESTIMONIALS FROM CURRENT EMPLOYERS:

1500 chapters worldwide 50 International Offices Impacts more than 700,000 Presence in each of the 50

U.S. States As a result, people with IDD

Secure rewarding jobs Live on their own Become inspirational leaders Make lifelong friendships

BEST BUDDIES IMPACT

Success to date

2 offices (Boston and Amherst)

93 school-based chapters

17 middle schools 59 high schools 17 colleges

4,700+ participants 57 participants currently

working in integrated employment

BEST BUDDIES IMPACT

Massachusetts Impact

People with IDD achieve their personal employment goals Join rest of community in a work environment Earn income Pay taxes

Encourages work, social interaction, and integration

People with IDD are recognized for their abilities rather than their disabilities

Develop a feeling of self worth

BEST BUDDIES JOBS PROGRAM

Supporting Mission

Over 15 years experience in supported employment Program created in 1994 in Miami Has since expanded to Boston, LA, and Virginia

Over 500 participants have secured employment since the Jobs Program’s inception

Law Firms Government Agencies Retail Stores Financial Companies Hotels Hospitals Sports Teams

BEST BUDDIES JOBS PROGRAM

Supporting Mission

Office Office Support – copying, reception, filing, etc Data Entry Shipping and Receiving Conference Room set-ups

Retail Customer Service – Sales Floor Inventory, Display upkeep Stocking

Service Food and Beverage Servers, Bellboys

Cleaning

COMPETITIVE INTEGRATED EMPLOYMENT

Valuable Resources

Raising Awareness State and government agencies Business partners Corporate sponsors

Prospective employees are actively sought

Employee pool built from Existing Programs State/Government agencies

• MA Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)• Department of Developmental Services

(DDS)

Prospective employees are typically known and have proven themselves

PROGRAM BREAKDOWN

Phase 1 – Awareness and Recruitment

Phase

I

•Awareness and Recruitment

Phase II

•Intake and Assessment

Phase III

•Placement

Phase IV

•On the Job Training and Support

Phase V

•Relationship Management

Intake Interviews are conducted by Best Buddies Employment Consultants

Assessment gathers information about prospective employees Work history Skill sets Vocational preference Job interests Family supports

PROGRAM BREAKDOWN

Phase 2 – Intake and Assessment

Phase

I

•Awareness and Recruitment

Phase II

•Intake and Assessment

Phase III

•Placement

Phase IV

•On the Job Training and Support

Phase V

•Relationship Management

Best Buddies Employment Consultants act as a staffing agency

Program ensures that prospective employee has appropriate skill set and interests

Model ensures that success is based on long term placement

Best Buddies Jobs Services are provided at no cost to employer

PROGRAM BREAKDOWN

Phase 3 – Placement

Phase

I

•Awareness and Recruitment

Phase II

•Intake and Assessment

Phase III

•Placement

Phase IV

•On the Job Training and Support

Phase V

•Relationship Management

Best Buddies Employment Consultants help to ensure a smooth transition

Work one-on-one with employee Break down and analyze job tasks Coach on job responsibilities Develop “natural supports” in

workplace Coaching and supports in place for

duration of employment (10 years and counting in some cases)

PROGRAM BREAKDOWN

Phase 4 – On the Job Training and Support

Phase

I

•Awareness and Recruitment

Phase II

•Intake and Assessment

Phase III

•Placement

Phase IV

•On the Job Training and Support

Phase V

•Relationship Management

Best Buddies Employment Consultants continue to manage client relationship

Work with evolving roles Expand program Assist with promoting your

company Corporate philanthropy

Grants Event sponsorships Program support

PROGRAM BREAKDOWN

Phase 5 – Relationship Management

Phase

I

•Awareness and Recruitment

Phase II

•Intake and Assessment

Phase III

•Placement

Phase IV

•On the Job Training and Support

Phase V

•Relationship Management

Best Buddies staff committed to mission; success of employee defines program success

Supported Employment Transportation training On the job coaching Individually tailored job training Ongoing support services

Increases work retention Person-centered model

BENEFITS OF JOBS PROGRAM

“Supported Employment”

EMPLOYER PARTNERS

Massachusetts

Jake Laverriere

Jobs Program Supervisor

45 Bromfield Street, 3rd Floor

Boston, MA 02108

Office: 617.778.0522

Email: jakelaverriere@bestbuddies.org

Website: www.bestbuddiesma.org

CONTACT INFO

MA Jobs Program