Trumbull BDD Gets Grant for Employment Program

NILES, Ohio – The Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities has received a $5,000 grant from the Raymond John Wean Foundation to fund the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Employment program.

“We are so grateful for the Wean Foundation and this grant,” said Rick Mistovich, the board’s community employment coordinator, in a statement. “These funds will help us further develop our program and continue to find new employment opportunities that allow our individuals to gain new skills and succeed in integrated work environments.” 

The Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities will partner with Trumbull Mobile Meals, which will employ people with disabilities through Sept. 30, 2020. Through the grant, job trainers will be provided to coach work skills, while sensitivity training will be provided to the Mobile Meals staff members, who will be working with people with disabilities. 

“Not only is this a great opportunity for individuals with disabilities, but it is a great opportunity for us, and we are looking forward to partner with TCBDD and working with the individuals they serve,” said Rebecca Edwards, CEO of Trumbull Mobile Meals, in a statement. 

While job coaches will begin training those with disabilities who will be working at the organization, the goal is to transfer supervision of at least two-thirds to staff and management by the end of the year. The employees funded through the grant are also expected to increase the number of hours worked at Trumbull Mobile Meals to an average of between 12 and 20 hours per week, up from just three to six hours before the grant.

“Transitioning individuals into integrated workplace is a high priority for TCBDD,” Mistovich said. “These jobs typically offer higher wages than privatized workshops and they help our individuals gain a sense of independence and become a part of the larger workforce and community as a whole.” 

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