Tom* came to Caminar Jobs Plus in our Solano Region in March 2019. Within 48 hours, he was enrolled in, and engaged with, our Caminar Jobs Plus Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Supported Employment program.

During the engagement process, the Caminar team focused on gathering information and asking questions from Tom’s support team (case managers, therapists, peer specialists, and psychiatrists) in order to best understand Tom’s needs, strengths, and goals. Through this process, the Caminar Jobs Plus team discovered that Tom adores music and loves to frequent music stores. After working on interviewing skills and other career-building skills, Tom’s Employment Specialist took him to a local music store for a visit. Shortly thereafter, and Tom was hired to work at the music store.

We are thrilled to report that Tom’s is thriving in his job — his first job! — and he is delighted to have found employment in an area of tremendous personal interest. Tom’s employer notes that Tom has a great knowledge of music and fantastic customer service skills.

Tom is just one of the many individuals our Caminar Jobs Plus team supports. As of October 1, 2019, the team was actively serving 59 clients. Of those, 34 clients are currently working — a 57% competitive employment rate.

We are grateful to our many donors and funders who help fund life-changing care and support like Tom received. Special thanks, in particular, to the Safeway Foundation for the recent grant award to Caminar Jobs Plus; we can’t do it without you. Thank you!

*name changed to protect client’s privacy