Supported Employment Network

The Supported Employment Network, funded by the Department of Developmental Services, is a collaboration between One SouthCoast Chamber and several area organizations who provide work search assistance and support to people with disabilities. The mission of the Network is to create a greater awareness in the business community about the skills and employability of people with disabilities.

It is an employment option that provides the necessary support (such as a job coach or transportation) an individual with a disability may need to be successfully and gainfully employed.

It promotes productivity and worker/employer satisfaction by matching job seekers’ skills to suitable job openings thereby ensuring success.

It offers businesses the ability to tap into a labor force with marketable skills, a strong work ethic and unbounded enthusiasm for work. It often results in reduced recruitment turnover and training costs.

Employers Benefit from Supported Employment by:

• Hiring dependable employees who are committed to doing the job creating less turnover
• Having easy access to an expanded labor pool and prescreened, qualified employees
• Expanding the diversity of their workforce
• Assisting the employer in training the new employee

Individuals who are gainfully employed:

• Gain from the experience
• Increase their earnings to spend in their communities
• Increase independence from entitlement programs
• Increase their opportunities to make friends and their sense of belonging in their communities

Network Members:

• One SouthCoast Chamber
• Better Community Living, Inc.
• Lifestream, Inc.
• M.O.Life, Inc
• New Bedford Area Department of Developmental Services