Now More Than Ever: The Workshop of Davidson provides opportunities for personal growth and self-sufficiency
The Workshop of Davidson, Inc. provides opportunities for personal growth and self-sufficiency through vocational and life skills training.
Having been in operation since 1964, the past 57 years have shown much evolution in services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. What hasn’t changed in all those years is the need for agencies such as The Workshop of Davidson to provide assistance in breaking down the barriers that persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental illness face every day. Our goal is to provide avenues for growth and the pursuit of self-sufficiency by ensuring access to and the availability of; vocational and life skills training, community integration, and employment opportunities.
Michael came to The Workshop of Davidson in 2020 and like all participants has a goal plan that was developed specifically for him with his input. His goals are designed to address the things that are the most important to Michael and what he needs in regards to support for a healthy, productive, and fulfilling day.
Michael receives staff support with mobility, self-care tasks, vocational and life skills training, etc. Michael has the opportunity to choose what he wants to do during the day such as; community activities, arts and crafts, music classes, exercise, and whatever other activities he and his staff want to work on to strengthen his abilities. Michael’s staff assists him on vocational training by adapting jobs for his physical needs, assisting with set up, maintenance of supplies, teaching him step by step procedures of the job, and monitoring to ensure he completes all the tasks correctly. Staff give Michael enough space to do his own thing and will step in when needed, but make sure he knows that he is working on being as independent as possible. When asked what he likes best about The Workshop of Davidson, Michael said “I like keeping myself busy, keeping my fingers busy.” Michael’s mother reports that she couldn’t be happier with the care and support that he receives at The Workshop of Davidson; she is so pleased that her son is flourishing in this environment. Michael is doing a great job working towards accomplishing his goals; he has learned skills that have increased his willingness to try new activities and vocational tasks. Michael maintains an upbeat and positive attitude, is thrilled to be active every day, and to be able to interact with his peers and friends.
Michael uses a para-transport van so his van drivers assist him each day to make sure he and his wheelchair are safely loaded and secured for the ride to The Workshop and back home in the evening. The Workshop applies for multiple 5310 transportation grants every year, but without funds from the United Way that assist in paying for the agencies local match and other transportation costs the agency would have difficulty funding transportation options to get everyone to their service locations each day.
Tyler lives in The Workshop of Davidson Men’s Group Home. He came to our programs in 2019, like Michael he has supports that were designed with his personal goals in mind. Tyler has worked on independent living skills and has pursued community employment. He has support from job coaching services that ensure he has all the skills necessary to be successful at his new job. Tyler is working at Food Lion in QA; his job coach spends time with him each day worked to make sure his responsibilities are being completed appropriately. Tyler’s job coach interacts as necessary with his supervisors to trouble shoot concerns and to help improve in areas of need. His supervisors say he is doing a fantastic job!
Tyler is so proud of everything he has accomplished by being employed. When asked what he likes best about his job Tyler said “I just like being there and doing what they need me to do.” He proudly wears his Food Lion hat and jacket all over the place. Skills learned in classes at The Workshop of Davidson helped Tyler be prepared for community employment opportunities; build his resume, and work on interviewing skills. Tyler is very pleased with his new income level and continues to build life skills and increase self-sufficiency.
Giving to The United Way provides opportunities in the lives of the adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities that we serve to grow and succeed in self-fulfilling and life enhancing ways. The Workshop of Davidson provides services to 100-120 persons a year; services include paid vocational training, four levels of community inclusive job coaching, life and community living skills training, personal care, community integration activities, a variety of learning experiences or classes, and residential supports. Without the on-going assistance received by the United Way the amazing opportunities provided by our programs just would not be what they are today.
MISSION STATEMENT
To promote and deliver quality services to each person served and to meet each person’s individual life skills, vocational, and residential needs in a diverse and inclusive environment.
PURPOSE
To assist persons served in achievement of their highest degree of self-sufficiency; vocationally, socially, and economically and to provide each person served an opportunity to gain the skills necessary to live as independently as possible in a diverse and inclusive environment.
