As of August 17th, The Arc of the Ozark`s employment services expanded into the Joplin, MO area. Joplin is the fourth largest city in Missouri and currently has only one other provider of employment services for individuals with disabilities, so this opportunity was one The Arc could not pass up. The goal of this expansion is for individuals with disabilities to obtain and maintain employment.
The Arc’s employment services began in Springfield in 1993 in Springfield, filling a great need in the community. The Arc opened the Joplin office and began providing residential services. The Arc takes great joy in the ability to grow and provide more services to other communities.
Jacquie Atkins, Director of Employment Solutions and Community Connections for The Arc of the Ozarks said, “With discoveries of the number of potential clients, the population of transition aged students (16-21) and the need of another provider, the decision was made to expand services into the Joplin area. Our goal is to provide individualized client-centered services with a strong emphasis on community collaboration.”
The Arc will also be partnering with local high schools to offer transition based services. The Arc plans to serve 30 students in local high schools in the Joplin area to provide transition related education focused on soft skills surrounding employment. We are excited to expand our employment services and help more individuals obtain and maintain employment.
