From The Desk of Karen Lee, SEEC's CEO

Unlocking Potential: Transforming Lives Through Inclusive Employment

At SEEC, we believe that every person we support deserves the opportunity to unlock their full potential and find meaningful employment. We are proud to participate and present our work at the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE)'s 2024 National Conference. To put into action our “not about me without me” practice, both a Direct Support Professionals and someone we support will attend the conference and be a part of our presentation. Watch our Facebook and Instagram account for pictures of the presentation team.?

In addition, SEEC was chosen to participate in a national case study on customized employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with the National Expansion of Employment Outcome Network (NEON) project of the US Department of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy. Our participation will help inform federal policy and practices for customized employment. We are humbled to be identified as one of the agencies using the Customized Employment strategy to help people in their journey to work.??

Project SEARCH interns graduating in Washington, DC.

Finally, this month, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of graduates from our Project SEARCH programs in with Hilton Hotels in Washington, DC, Montgomery County Government and National Institutes of Health who have been on a yearlong journey to learn about their unique abilities and contributions and are how to share those skills as they launch their careers! ?

Innovating for the Future?

At SEEC, we are committed to continuous improvement, regularly reviewing, and enhancing our processes to better serve the individuals we support and our partners. Our innovative hybrid program, "Learn to Earn," combines the customized employment practice of discovery with community activities, empowering job seekers with the real-world experience they need to confidently enter the job market. Additionally, we are preparing to offer support for entrepreneurial endeavors, fostering the spirit of innovation and self-determination.?

Join the Movement?

The success of our customized employment services is evident in the positive outcomes we achieve for both job seekers and employers. We invite you to join us in this transformative movement. Whether you are an employer seeking to diversify your workforce, a community member passionate about inclusive employment, or an individual seeking support, there are many ways to get involved.?

Attend one of our informational sessions, join our Business Advisory Council, or simply spread the word about including people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the workplace!?

Cheers,

Karen Lee, CEO

Top Things to Know at SEEC in June

• ?SEEC hosted two of a three-part self-advocacy training in partnership with People On The Go of Maryland. The interactive sessions focused on developing advocacy skills and understanding one's rights. The training covered knowing yourself, effective communication, problem-solving, rights and responsibilities, and starting a self-advocacy group.?
• Katie Smeltz and Pam Toole from SEEC's Employer Outreach Team recently presented at the Greater Rockville Chamber of Commerce lunch. Attendees learned the benefits of hiring people with disabilities and how SEEC helps businesses meet their needs with untapped talent. Willow Newman, a Customized Employment Consultant at SEEC, shared her approach to discovering individuals' interests and skills and Charlie, whom SEEC supports and is a jobseeker, spoke about his interests and skills.
• Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 21st from 4-7pm for SEEC's Annual FootGolf Event! More information to follow.
• Congratulations to SEEC's own Steve Blanks, Director of Partnerships for graduating from Leadership Montgomery's CORE Program and Ethan Litvin, Volunteer and Intern Coordinator, for graduating from Leadership Montgomery's Emerging Leaders Program. Leadership Montgomery connects and prepares leaders to build thriving and inclusive workplaces and communities.