Since 1975, Diverse Options Incorporated (formerly Ripon Area Service Center) has believed that work is a primary objective for the many people that our organization serves. Whether individuals wish to work out in the community, work in one of our production centers in Ripon or Montello, or wish to do both, Diverse Options has programs and supports to assist individuals to realize their goal to work.

From the start, we heard from the consumers we serve that they were interested in working in the community. While we teach many skills in our production centers regarding the world of work, Diverse Options explored new ways in which to focus our teaching methods, to prepare individuals, and to integrate into community jobs faster. With this objective in mind, we are pleased to announce the creation of a new program to meet this objective.

The Community Job Education Program (CJEP) is designed to provide individuals with education and exploration supports that accomplish the following in the lives of our consumers;

– Provide exploration activities that assist individuals to decide what types of jobs they may want to work at in the community;
– Provide educational classes and information that teaches individuals both work, social, and life skills that will enable them to successfully work in the community;
– Provide educational classes and information on personal health and safety necessary to successfully work in the community;
– Develop personal resume’s and learn skills to search for, and interview for, jobs in the community;
– Develop work experiences and volunteer opportunities for individuals to experience working and interacting in the community.

The program is set up in two sections. Each section is 26 weeks in length. People enrolled in the program will meet 4 times per week for 3 hours each meeting. All classes and activities will be conducted in community settings; i.e. libraries, community businesses, coffee shops, and other places where people work and gather in the community. Classes will contain 4-6 people per class. Classes will be taught by staff of Diverse Options, Inc. and business leaders or volunteers from the community.

Section One involves more educational, exploration and interest development activities. Classes and activities will involve such topics as;

– Identifying job interests and assessing each individual’s areas of strength and areas of possible improvement when working in the community;
– Occupational exploration of jobs available in the community;
– Accessing and moving about the community safely;
– Appropriate communication skills in the community and the workplace;
– Math, reading and writing skill necessary when working in the community;
– Learning and using good social skills in the community and on the job;
– Dealing with conflict and challenges in the community and the workplace;
– Appropriate dress and hygiene while working and accessing the community;
– Learning how good nutrition and fitness can be of benefit when working in the community;
– Stress management techniques
– Common employment laws and rules when working in the community.

Section Two will involve more hands-on activities (volunteerism, work experiences) and classes that will further prepare the individual to transition-supported employment or placement services in the future. Classes and activities will involve such topics as;

– Enrolling in and involvement in the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation system;
– How to look for jobs in the community;
– Preparing and presenting a resume’ to prospective employers;
– Completing job applications;
– How to prepare for and be involved in a job interview;
– Involvement in work experiences through WI DVR,
– Volunteer activities in the community;
– What to do after you are hired in a community job.

Upon completion of the program (Sections One and Two), program participants then will transition directly to supported employment/job placement services through the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (WI DVR). Again, enrollment in WI DVR will take place early on in Section Two of the program.

For more information on the Community Job Education Program at Diverse Options Incorporated, please contact your Consumer Services Coordinator.