For Bridge House members, working can provide the impetus to return to college, technical school, or to obtain full-time employment. Our employment program is a means of helping people move from dependence on a service delivery system to independence. Employers get a diversified work place, terrific employees, and the opportunity to join an elite group of people who are making a difference in their community.

Data for Fiscal Year 2005

Number of job placements: 108
Volunteer placements in the community: 10
Total earned income from employment: $738,000
Members who worked on transitional employment placement: 47
Members who returned to supported employment: 21
Average hourly pay on transitional employment placement: $8.00/HR
Average hourly pay on supported employment: $9.40/HR
Members who returned to independent employment: 41
Average hourly pay on independent employment: $10.46/HR

What is The Employment Program?

Much of the Bridge House Day Program is centered around providing services that prepare members for work, help them find and retain employment, and offer support once employment begins. The objective of the employment program is to provide multifaceted services that nurture and expand the innate skills, talents, and abilities of members, leading to paid employment and financial independence. The Bridge House Employment Program provides employers with entry-level, usually part-time workers whose skills, attitudes, and career goals have been assessed to ensure a good match between the worker and the position. We provide individualized job coaching and support as needed.

Before Returning to Work

Career readiness and job development is an ongoing, daily activity. Staff and members work together to hone job skills and evaluate employment opportunities. Our relationship with a potential employer starts with a meeting to discuss the employer's needs and expectations. Suitable candidates are selected who meet the job description. Bridge House ensures the appropriate placement of members by screening candidates and training on the job.

After a Bridge House Member is Hired

Bridge House staff act as placement managers working with new employees until they have learned their job duties and are acclimated to their work place. The placement manager meets with employers on a regular basis to review the progress of new employees. Placement managers continue to follow and support employees through weekly meetings and visits to the work place. In addition, staff will replace members on the job who are unable to work.

For More Information

For more information about our employment program, contact Gayle Duska.

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