Team Creativity Opens New Possibilities!

Helen has not only found employment, she also has reached her dream.

Helen graduated from a transition program in 2010 and no one was sure what to do in regards to employment. When in school, Helen would often talk about her passion for music and reported that music feeds her soul and makes her happiest. Helen's ultimate vocational goal/dream was to become a disc jockey; however she never knew if she would be able to be successful or have the connections and equipment to do so. Helen's team contacted Alternative Work Concepts who developed an opportunity for Helen to job shadow a DJ who also had experience in social services. This resulted in a wonderful partnership in exploring paid opportunities and overcoming barriers for Helen to achieve the goal of being a DJ. Together, Alternative Work Concepts, Lane County DD services, Helen''s residential provider, and Oregon Vocational Rehabilitation Services worked in collaboration to make this career a reality for Helen, even though it at first seemed unrealistic given the high support needs.

 

With VR's assistance, Helen was able to purchase the basic equipment, software and marketing services with AWC to start-up her DJ business, while Lane County DD Services funded Helen's job training through AWC as Helen got established in her new field of work. Helen reported that she knew that the job would involve a lot of downloading music, setting up playlists, and learning how to properly use the equipment. She did not know that most of her job would be more behind the scenes doing marketing, promoting, networking/job shadowing in the community. Helen stated that she was very nervous when she started her first gig, however reported that after the music started and people started dancing she felt so proud and excited. She stated that the most difficult part of being on stage is finding out exactly what the audience wants. Helen will continue to receive ongoing supports from Alternative Work Concepts through ongoing funding from Lane County DD services.

 

Helen has been a paid DJ for four months and has established regular commitments with local restaurants and companies along with a lot of promising DJ opportunities around the corner. Helen reported that she could not be happier and has really been thankful for the supports to help her get established. For more information about Helen's DJ services, please feel free to facebook her at Helen-Avatar Krush.

 

Through the partnership of Alternative Work Concepts, Lane County DD services, Oregon Vocational Rehabilitations Services and the Employment First Initiative, Helen has not only found employment, she also has reached her dream.