A grant from the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism will help local individuals with jobs and education.
The foundation created in honor of retired NFL quarterback Doug Flutie Sr.'s son awarded $10,000 to Jewish Family Services of Atlantic and Cape May Counties that will be used to support "Opening Doors to Employment: Vocational Services for Autistic Job Seekers & Education for Employers."
The program will allow 30 individuals with autism to receive comprehensive services so they can set career goals, gain work readiness, succeed in the job market and build long-term stability.
Through a partnership with Stockton University’s Career Center, the agency will reach additional individuals with disabilities to utilize the potential services.
JFS also will educate and train businesses about the benefits of having a more diverse workforce and share strategies for adopting more inclusive, autism-friendly hiring and retention practices.
“We are grateful to the Flutie Foundation for selecting JFS to receive this generous grant,” JFS Senior Director of Vocational Services & Justice Involved Services Nina Stolzenberg said. “Since our agency implemented Vocational Services more than 11 years ago, we have been committed to prioritizing access to job training and competitive employment for people with disabilities so they can attain the best opportunity to earn a living and achieve financial independence.”
In 2013, JFS received an initial Vocational Service grant that focused on assessing work readiness needs of young adults with autism.
More than 50 percent of JFS’ Vocational Services clients now are individuals with autism with the program providing career exploration for high school students, workforce entry support for young adults and more.
“The Flutie Foundation Autism Community Impact Grant helps our partner agencies address a variety of significant needs in the autism community,” said Nick Savarese, executive director of The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. “Programs like these help people on the autism spectrum live life to the fullest and we are proud to support their efforts.”
For information about JFS’ Vocational Services, visit www.jfsatlantic.org. For information about The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, visit www.flutiefoundation.org.