The Life Enrichment Center at Friends Aware provides a wide variety of work opportunities to help enable every job seeker maximize his or her career potential. We have a dedicated staff who provide daily training and work opportunities to assist individuals in achieving their employment dreams and goals. We focus on everything from volunteer work experiences, jobs skills training, and resume building to hands-on job coaching, transportation supports, and customized job development.
In the community we provide:
Customized Job Development - focuses on individuals’ skills, interests, and career goals by developing a plan for employment which matches the needs of local businesses. We set out to find the best employer for an individual and then tailor that job to match skills that provide a winning combination to both individual and employer. We also offer support to individuals working towards self-employment by assisting to secure business start-up funding, writing business plans, and organizing staffing supports.
Supported Employment - offers continued support that enables individuals to perform their jobs in the community. We arrange transportation, training, and staff necessary for each individual to be successful. Our Supported Employment program reaches a wide variety of businesses and industries throughout Allegany County.
Volunteer Work Experiences - seeks out meaningful work experiences by giving back to the community. Providing numerous community partnerships and volunteer experiences that will help build upon a rich work history and lead to employment.
Individuals are supported in their own homes or in residences that are obtained with the assistance of Friends Aware, Inc.
All services are directed by each individual as documented in his or her Individual Plan. Individuals have the choice of an array of services as they develop their plans.
On site we provide:
Sheltered Workshop - builds work ethics and confidence while providing paid employment through local business subcontracts.
- Small and Precision Manufacturing
- Bulk Mailings; start to finish processing
- Confidential Shredding
- Quality Control for Mass Production
- Full Recycling Program
- Specialized projects to fit local business needs
Full Service Woodshop creates work opportunities through manufacturing an array of products.
- Construction Stakes
- Engineering Stakes and Hubs
- Gardening Stakes
- Shipping Pallets; available in many sizes
Daily Skills Trainings - focuses on building skills, which enable individuals to have successful and productive work experiences. We provide training on interviewing, writing a resume, situational and transportation trainings, and the development of specific skill sets.
Day Habilitation: emphasizes daily living and pre-vocational skills by offering innovative services and leisure activities. Each individual's training needs are assessed and personalized plans are developed based on each person's strengths, abilities and preferences. The program operates Monday -Friday from 9a.m. to 3p.m. offering a family style dining experience and door to door transportation services.
TRANSPORTATION: Transportation Services operates 5 days a week, providing door to door transportation for all those receiving supports in programs at Friends Aware Inc. Our specially equipped vans and buses are maintained to meet various physical needs. In addition to trained drivers, aides also accompany all vehicles to ensure the safety and well-being of the passengers.
Please contact Jane Eaton at 301-722-7268 ext. 147 or jeaton@friendsaware.org for more details.
For more information about services offered to individuals contact the Developmental Disabilities Administration of Maryland.
