Fort Wayne, Ind. — The M.E. Raker Foundation recently awarded a $20,000 grant to Easterseals Arc of Northeast Indiana to support employment services for people with disabilities and local business leaders.
The grant funding will help Easterseals Arc’s team of employment specialists assist participants seeking meaningful community-based employment that matches their unique skills and abilities. As the participants build confidence and success in the workplace, they will transition to more natural peer support and less need for services from Easterseals Arc.
The employment services team also will work with the area business community to develop an inclusive workforce through education on attracting, hiring and retain individuals with disabilities. Easterseals Arc will continue working with the Northeast Indiana Regional Opportunities Council (ROC) Workforce Competency and Competitiveness group to make northeast Indiana a Disability First region and develop resources specific to employing and hiring individuals with disabilities.