New job placements!

Two of our graduating students have been hired at Target! Christopher Collier and Kelvin Jackson are students this year in The Arc of the Mid-South's Career Development and Job Placement program. Congratulations!

Memphis Tigers coach, Josh Pastner, takes action to empower individuals with disabilities

One of our CDJP graduates, Steven Beckham (pictured on the right with U of M basketball player, Doneal Mack, on the left), recently participated in a basketball camp hosted by The University of Memphis and Memphis Tigers men's basketball coach, Josh Pastner!

Students and adults from various agencies throughout the Mid-South were invited to participate in a one-day basketball camp on Saturday, November 7th. Thanks to The University of Memphis and Coach Josh Pastner for your vision and support of The Arc's mission!

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and The Arc of the Mid-South will join community groups throughout the area to promote employment for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Triangle, Inc. is an organization that offers job training and career placement on the east coast. They posted a great video on their Ablevision website that shows a story about a Walgreens employee, Quang, who has a disability and describes his experiences working as a service clerk. The short film is part of a series that can be found on the Triangle website.

Graduation Day!

Job Developers Rashanda Lawyer (far left) and Michael Billingsley (far right) pose with members of the 2009 graduating class
It was a big day at The Arc of the Mid-South today as nine students graduated from the Job Readiness class offered by our Career Development and Job Placement (CDJP) program. The students have attended class from 9a-noon every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday since August.

Our CDJP program is designed for our clients who benefit from specialized vocational training but do not meet the requirements for enrollment in regular vocational school. It is a hands-on program that focuses on the mastery of specific job skills that are connected to a variety of career options. Our students learn to work independently and proper social skills and work-related behaviors are emphasized to improve student employability.

While graduation means no more attending classes at our offices, it certainly doesn’t end their relationship with The Arc of the Mid-South. Our CDJP team will continue to work closely with the students as they acclimate to society and seek employment.

For more pictures from graduation, please click here.

We had a Great Day at Tiger Book Store!

Career Development Manager Raye Journigan (2nd from left) and Job Developer Rashanda Lawyer (far right) pose with our students before the event

As part of Comcast's "Get Your Move On" promotion, some of our Career Development and Job Placement (CDJP) students worked outside Tiger Bookstore today, distributing free Comcast boxes to University of Memphis students who need them for packing at the rapidly-approaching end of the semester.

We had beautiful weather all day and passed out a lot of boxes! Thanks to everyone who stopped by to see us.

To see more pictures, please click here.