Key Opportunities, INC
Key Opportunities, INC

Community Based Programs

Guided by the belief that every individual is capable of having a fulfilling career, Key Opportunities supports both employees and our community employers to achieve quality employment outcomes.

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Available Programs

 

COMMUNITY VOCATIONAL ASSESSMENT

A Community Vocational Assessment, or CVA, provides adult individuals with a paid on-the-job training experience at a worksite that is based on their personal interests. During this experience participants are assessed on their work and employability skills and provided with the opportunity to explore and identify possible career options. A job coach is available to assist with any training needed and to provide assessment services.

Supported Employment

Individuals who receive Supported Employment experience intensive job coaching and on the job training provided by a job coach in a work environment best suited to their personal interests and abilities.

 

QUICKSTART

The Quickstart program provides personalized job seeking services for individuals who are in need of assistance in obtaining independent employment. Job search, resume building, interview skills, and placement services are all offered.

DISCOVERY

The discovery program allows participants to take an active role in finding out what professional goals are best suited to them. Discovery is often run concurrently with other community-based employment programs prior to placement, as it allows participants the ability to self-assess their skills and interests, and empowers participants to take an active role in job seeking.

Once a hire has been made or a job coach is no longer needed due to an employees ability to work independently, Key Opportunities staff will follow up for at least 90 days to make sure both the employer and new employee are satisfied.  If additional supports are required, Key Opportunities can  provide services to ensure employee retention. 

Regardless of how long someone has been able to maintain employment, if concerns arise, Key Opportunities will be there to help assist with these concerns.  Our goal is to sustain positive employment outcomes for both the employee and the employer.

“Key Opportunities has great services. Staff helps you with your goals. Staff never gives up on you.”
— Traci Mackey

Admission Criteria

In order to participate in any of the above Community Based Programs, and individual should:

  • Be 16 years of age or older

  • Experience unemployment or underemployment

  • Be vocationally limited due to physical, mental, and/or emotional impairment

  • Display conduct that is not dangerous to self or others

  • Maintain basic self-help skills

  • Be able to work and interact semi-independently with minimal supervision

  • Possess a desire to work

  • Have a need for additional vocational experiences without which employment would not be immediately obtainable

  • Ambulate by physical or mechanical means

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For more information about our community based employment programs, please email Stephanie Stockford at sstockford@keyopp.org

 C.H.E.F.S.
Culinary & Hospitality Experience/Food Service

Key Opportunities, Inc. has launched a new program for adults with disabilities in Hillsdale County. The CHEFS program (Culinary & Hospitality Experience/ Food Service) teaches front and back of house restaurant operations including greeting/seating guests, serving food/beverages, portioning/ following recipes, and ServSafe practices for food prep/storage. Each month, the CHEFS team of participants and their job coaches hosts a multi-course dinner for ticket holders. The program and events occur in the fully equipped restaurant owned by Key Opportunities.

For information regarding events, please visit https://www.keyopportunities.org/chefs

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT joining the C.H.E.F.S. Program, please email Stephanie Stockford at sstockford@keyopp.org

Learning Independence Through Engagement

L.I.T.E.

In Learning Independence Through Engagement (L.I.T.E.) participants engage in a variety of activities that assist with developing community awareness, the value of giving back, and independence through volunteerism and entrepreneurship. L.I.T.E is also a continuation of the learning process; providing opportunities to learn about health and wellness, social skills, and establishing and maintaining friendships.

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L.I.T.E encourages participants to reach towards much desired financial independence. Each participant has the ability to create, package, and market fire starters and custom pallet signs, then share the proceeds of their sales. Through these projects participants are able to earn wages and more importantly, a sense of purpose and dignity.

“I like everything about the L.I.T.E. program. I like making fire starters and I like earning money, I can spend it on anything!”
— John Anderson

PALLET ART

Our crafters work hard to create beautiful home and business décor featured at Key Opportunities and a variety of craft fairs around the county. Whether you are interested in a premade piece, or looking for something with custom flair, L.I.T.E participants design, prepare, paint, and finish that perfect piece that you’ve been looking for. As with the rest of our products, participants earn the proceeds from the sale of pallet art.

FIRE STARTERS

Available for sale at Key Opportunities and a number of businesses around the community, fire starters are made out of toilet paper rolls and shredded paper, then dipped in wax. Crafters take part in each aspect of their business; the production, packaging, inventory, and selling of their product, and along with earning the proceeds from the sales.

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For more information about our L.I.T.E. Program, please email Stephanie Stockford at sstockford@keyopp.org

Facility Based Employment

Facility based employment provides participants with remunerative work in a supportive environment. Clients develop good work skills, behaviors, and attitudes and most importantly increased independence allowing them to transition to competitive community employment if they choose.

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“If I didn’t love this place, I wouldn’t have been here this long, twenty two years; The supervisors are all wonderful, all of the staff are. Everything is explained well to us and we do a lot of activities as a company, like take trips and have picnics and parties. I would recommend anybody come and work here. ”
— Judy Greek

Admission Criteria

In order to participate in any of the Facility Based Program, an individual should:

  • Experience unemployment or underemployment

  • Be vocationally limited due to physical, mental, and/or emotional impairment

  • Display conduct that is not dangerous to self or others

  • Maintain basic self-help skills

  • Be able to work and interact semi-independently with minimal supervision

  • Possess a desire to work

  • Have a need for additional vocational experiences without which employment would not be immediately obtainable

  • Ambulate by physical or mechanical means

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For more information about our facility based employment programs, please email Stephanie Stockford at sstockford@keyopp.org