SourceAmerica and the Department of Workforce Services’ Utah State Office of Rehabilitation announced today an expansion of the SourceAmerica Pathways to Careers initiative, a customized employment program that matches job candidates with disabilities to internships and jobs that support the needs of both the candidate and the employer.
“Customized employment programs like Pathways benefit both the employer and the employee,” said SourceAmerica President and CEO Steve Soroka. “When we consider the talents and potential of people with disabilities and the needs of the business community, we’re creating meaningful opportunities and building an ‘Inclusion Economy™’.”
“By engaging with community partners like SourceAmerica, we are able to spread our footprint in the state and better reach our common goal of helping individuals with disabilities thrive in the workplace,” said Jon Pierpont, executive director of the Department of Workforce Services. “We look forward to working with SourceAmerica to strengthen Utah’s quality of workforce through individuals with disabilities.”
The partnership aims to help Utah better support individuals with the most significant disabilities who are living in underserved areas.
The agencies are announcing their partnership Friday, April 20, at the Varsity Reception Room at the University of Utah. Pathways to Careers alums who have transitioned from interns to employees at their Pathways placements were recognized at the kickoff event. Alumni in attendance include Ethan Sandbeck, a university sports fan who was recognized for reaching his five-year anniversary working in the Olympic Sports and Equipment Room Operations for the University of Utah. Jessica Smith whose love of musical theater led to a job at Hale Centre Theatre in Sandy, also attended. Another successful alum recognized was Ty Ross, whose affinity for technology led him to a job creating assistive technology for people with disabilities.
For more information, go to sourceamerica.org or jobs.utah.gov/usor.
About SourceAmerica
Established in 1974, SourceAmerica creates job opportunities for a skilled and dedicated workforce of people with significant disabilities. SourceAmerica is the vital link between the federal government and private sector organizations that procure the products and services provided by this exceptional workforce via a network of more than 800 community-based nonprofits. Headquartered in Vienna, Virginia, SourceAmerica provides its nonprofit agency network with business development, contract management, legislative and regulatory assistance, communications and public relations materials, information technology support, engineering and technical assistance, and extensive professional training needed for successful nonprofit management.
About Utah State Office of Rehabilitation
The Department of Workforce Services’ Utah State Office of Rehabilitation (USOR) assists individuals with disabilities in obtaining competitive, integrated employment, and increasing their independence. The office supports more than 50,000 individuals with disabilities on average each year, and educates Utah businesses about hiring and retaining individuals with disabilities. USOR’s services include vocational rehabilitation counseling and guidance, diagnostic and evaluation exams, restoration services, assistive technology, academic and employment training, and job placement. For more information, visit jobs.utah.gov/usor.
