The HART Center offers more than vocational rehabilitation in-house; our organization also fosters job development through our Supported Employment Program. Clients who participate in Supported Employment receive on-site job coaching in community-based competitive employment. 

Let us introduce you to Liam, one of the young men we have the privilege to work with. Liam is celebrating 2 years of work at the YMCA this year. Liam shared, “I am a custodian. I clean the facility, including the cardio areas, bathrooms, etc…”. In his role, Liam displayed a great capacity for growth and was given the responsibility of maintaining the cleanliness of two YMCA facilities. As a custodian, Liam has found that he enjoys the freedom to set his own pace. 

When looking for the right job for him, Liam stated that he was looking for “self-independence, which I feel like I have at the Y.”  Liam’s self-determination can be observed at work as well as at home. Liam stated “I am more aware of what needs to be done at home and I have learned new cleaning techniques.” As he looks to the future, Liam sees the YMCA has his dream job, but hopes to continue to build upon the skills he has learned. “I liked to learn more of the maintenance aspects of the job, not just custodial.” 

Finding the right job tasks and assessment of one’s own interests and skills. To those who are in search of the, Liam advises that you “follow your heart”.