Via Employment Program Receives $340,000 in Grants and Recognized as Beacon of Excellence
November 9, 2009

BETHLEHEM, PA – Via of the Lehigh Valley received a $315,000 grant from the PA Developmental Disabilities Council and a $25,000 grant and recognition as a Beacon of Employment Excellence in providing employment opportunities for people with disabilities from the PA Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (CFDA#93.768).

The grants will fund sustainable technical assistance and training to further reform community employment options in Pennsylvania for people with disabilities over a three-year period. In collaboration with GriffinHammis Associates (GHA) an international leader in employment strategies, Via will begin by reviewing survey information provided by community employment providers across the Commonwealth. The survey information will be assessed to identify areas that provider organizations, like Via, report needing help with and design consultation and training to meet their needs.

“Via will focus on teaching provider organizations across the state, similar to Via, how to use innovative techniques to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities,” said Corey Smith, Via Employment Director.

“These outcomes include both creative wage and self-employment options, and developing a growing list of alternative funding sources. The focus is also on using customized techniques to support individuals who require personal assistance in the work place and developing employment opportunities in trade professions.”

Through these grants, Via will provide hands-on training and assistance, local economic development, community mapping, statewide presentations, web-conferences, training materials, blog sites and assistance with developing alternative funding sources.

Beacons of Employment Excellence recognize organizations that commit to an employment first policy for services focused on work that provides individuals with a disability real jobs with full community integration, the potential for benefits and the dignity that arises from gainful employment.

“We are very proud to be recognized as a Beacon of Employment Excellence,” said Smith.

“People with disabilities want what most people want — a job with real wages in or around our community. The ability to work and earn a living is invaluable, not just financially but to our self-esteem. Via has helped hundreds of men and women with disabilities experience the pride and power that comes with a paycheck. We are thrilled to be recognized for making a difference in people’s lives.”

Via of the Lehigh Valley is a non-profit human service agency that provides services for children and adults with disabilities like autism, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Serving the community since 1954, Via’s staff help individuals and families from birth through retirement focusing in Children’s Services, Community Connections and Employment.

Via works with children up to age three in their homes and daycares to address disabilities and delays. Via finds jobs in the community for adults and provides coaching and training for successful employment. And Via helps people, from teens to those at retirement age, connect and live in their community by volunteering, participating in leisure activities, and finding or purchasing affordable, accessible housing. Via fosters and advocates the concept of inclusion and choice within schools, neighborhoods and communities, personal relationships, and employment. Via believes that personal satisfaction and dignity are achieved through individual success and independence and is committed to helping people live full and productive lives. Visit www.ViaNet.org to learn more about Via’s services.

For more information, contact:
Lisa Walkiewicz, Communications Director
L.Walkiewicz@vianet.org | 484-893-5390