Job Point is implementing its second year of a federal Projects With Industry (PWI) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Eighty percent of the project is financed with federal dollars in the amount of $1,664,296 over five years. A twenty percent match ($416,074) comes from non-governmental sources, including Heart of Missouri United Way and private contributions. Out of nearly 200 applications, Job Point's was one of 66 selected for funding nationwide. The project, entitled BRIDGES, is the fifth consecutive PWI to be administered by Job Point to broaden job training and placement services, and enhance the quality of life for persons with disabilities.
BRIDGES serves Columbia, Jefferson City, Moberly, Wright City, Marshall and their surrounding communities.
BRIDGES is projected to serve a total of 1,075 Missourians over the 60-month period, significantly increasing the earnings of individuals placed. These activities will be carried out with the support of Business Advisory Councils, comprised of business and human service representatives, which support job placement efforts.
Program offerings include dynamic Job Readiness Training workshops, job leads, an introduction to computers, assistance with job applications, resume development, interviewing practice and business letter writing. A Career Lab with computers, phones, fax, copier and office supplies is available and assistance is provided with job accommodations and career advancement. Staff provide case management services and 12 months of employment support. Individuals are often surprised to find the following conditions may qualify for eligibility.
Psychiatric Disorders such as
Depression, Bipolar, Dysthymia Anxiety, Panic Attacks Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Borderline or other Personality Disorder Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Schizophrenia Eating Disorders Cognitive Disorders such as
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder Learning Disorders Developmental Disorders/Mental Retardation Neurological Disorders such as
Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia Cerebral Palsy Cystic Fibrosis Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Multiple Sclerosis Neuromuscular Diseases (ie Muscular Dystrophy) Parkinsons Disease Seizure Disorder Spina Bifida Spinal Cord Injury Stroke Traumatic Brain Injury Alcohol, Drug and Substance Abuse/Dependence
Respiratory Disorders such as
Asthma Obstructive Pulmonary Disease/Emphysema Physical Disorders such as
Allergies Amputations Arthritis Autoimmune Disorders
Burns Diabetes Mellitus Cardiovascular Diseases HIV/AIDS Irritable Bowel Syndrome/Crohn's Disease Back Pain Morbid Obesity Repetitive Motion Disorder/Carpal Tunnel Sickle Cell Anemia Sensory Disorders
Hearing Loss/Deafness Low Vision/Blindness Deaf/Blind Other Conditions
Chronic Pain Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Sleeping Disorders Nancy Silver, Interim Job Point President, said "Project BRIDGES is an outstanding program aimed at helping people with any type of disability, physical or mental health condition or injury to enter or re-enter the workforce." Furthermore, the project places an emphasis on serving:
Ex-Offenders Individuals receiving Temporary Assistance (TANF) or Workforce Investment Act (WIA) services Adults over the age of 55 Students transitioning from school to work Holders of a Social Security Ticket to Work Persons on Waiting List for Missouri Division of Vocational Rehabilitation services Job Point is Mid-Missouri's premier employment center and community development corporation. Since 1965, the organization has been linking people and jobs by providing career planning and job placement assistance. Job Point specializes in preparing individuals to enter the workforce, while meeting a critical need of the business community. To find out if you are eligible for services, contact Job Point at 573/474-8560 or Toll Free at 1-800-844-6029 for more information. Employers interested in hiring may call as well or post job openings at: .
www.jobpointmo.org/postjob.asp
