Supported Employment

The Center for Growth and Independence

Vocational Evaluations

Vocational evaluations help people identify their skills, talents, and qualifications for entering the workforce. Our vocational program supervisor works with our clients to examine potential job and training opportunities.

The Center for Growth and Independence

Employability Skills Training

Employability Skills Training helps people identify their personal career goals. Our vocational program manager works with clients to build interview skills, create resumes, discuss employer expectations, and more.

The Center for Growth and Independence

On-the-Job Evaluations (OJE)

On-the-job evaluations (OJEs) help people prior to job development. Its purpose is to ensure an individual is ready for the workforce and to evaluate their skills for their future employment journey.

The Center for Growth and Independence

Job Development

Job Development helps people find a job in the community. Our job developers network and communicate with businesses and community members to enable job placements unique to each client’s strengths, skills, and talents.

The Center for Growth and Independence

Job Coaching

Job coaching helps people do their job effectively and efficiently. Our DSPs go to work with our clients to support and assist them on-site when needed..

Through a person-centered approach, the SE Program focuses on each individual’s strengths, interests, and goals, ensuring services are tailored to support meaningful and lasting employment outcomes.

Services include career exploration, job development, resume and interview preparation, and direct connection with local employers, who are also our partners throughout Southwest Michigan.

Credibility

In 2025, The Center provided 4,802 hours of services in the SE program.

99% individualized employment goals achieved.

Our satisfaction outcomes: 98% of clients and their families reporting high levels of satisfaction with services received.

Employment Partners

Partner with a Purpose

Our partnership model is simple and effective. We work alongside your team to match individuals to roles that align with their skills, interests, and your business needs. We provide training support, job coaching, and ongoing collaboration, ensuring both the employee and employer feel confident and supported from day one.

Businesses that partner with people with disabilities consistently report:

  • Higher employee retention
  • Improved workplace morale and team culture
  • Increased reliability and engagement
  • A positive impact on their brand and community reputation
  • Apple Valley
  • Arby’s - BH
  • Bridgman High School
  • Cats Meow (Volunteering)
  • Hampton Inn
  • KFC - BH
  • Lettuce Duit Galien
  • McDonald’s - Berrien Springs
  • McDonald’s - Buchanan
  • McDonald’s - Coloma
  • McDonald’s - Niles
  • Meijer - BH
  • Pizza Hut - Buchanan
  • Red Coach Donuts
  • Walgreen’s - Stevensville
  • YMCA - Niles/Buchanan
  • YMCA - St Joe/Benton Harbor
  • Deals on Wheels
  • Bridgeman Highschool
  • Pizza Hut
  • Walgreens
  • McDonalds
  • KFC
  • Hampton Inn
  • Meijer
  • Culvers
  • Kohl’s
  • TJ Maxx
  • Wendy’s
  • Power in Motion
  • Dollar Tree
  • Taco Bell
The Center for Growth and Independence

“They help us find jobs and work around our schedule.”

— A Client of the Center

Get Involved with Supported Employment

Whether you’re interested in joining the program, partnering with us, or supporting our work through a donation, we’d love to hear from you.
Complete the form below, and our team will be in touch with more information.

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