Posts

Sam Evans’ Journey into Auto Detailing

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Since October 2024, The Choice Group has had the pleasure of working with Sam Evans—a friendly, professional, and driven individual who recently set his sights on a career change. After seven years with his current employer, Sam expressed interest in exploring new possibilities, and one area that sparked his curiosity was auto detailing. Although Sam had no prior experience in the field, he was eager to jump in and give it a try. Through situational assessment services, he recently completed a hands-on experience at Xtreme Detailing in Virginia Beach. There, he took on the full process of exterior car cleaning—prepping, spraying, scrubbing, and drying a vehicle from start to finish. The owner was impressed and commended Sam on a job well done. Sam’s willingness to step outside of his comfort zone and try something completely new is just one of the many things that makes him stand out. As we continue working together, we’re excited to explore more opportunities that align with his inter...

A Three-Decade Milestone: Celebrating Tito Woods’ 30 Years of Dedication

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Longevity in any career is a rare and remarkable achievement—but when someone dedicates three full decades to the same workplace with pride and enthusiasm, it's something truly special. That’s exactly the story of Tito Woods, a longstanding client of The Choice Group who recently celebrated 30 years on the job. Tito began his career journey right out of high school with the support of a DARS counselor in Danville. He was hired to work in the cafeteria at a local hospital in Eden, North Carolina—a role that would evolve over time but always remain rooted in his commitment to showing up, working hard, and doing his part to support the team. Over the years, the hospital’s cafeteria operations have transitioned through various management companies, including industry giants like Sodexo and Aramark. Through every shift in leadership, Tito remained a steady and dependable presence, adapting to new systems and expectations while continuing to do what he does best. Today, Tito still enjoys...

Navigating 2025: Key Trends Impacting People with Disabilities

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As we step into 2025, disability advocates are closely monitoring three major trends that could shape the future of accessibility, healthcare, and independence for individuals with disabilities. While advancements in technology and policy changes bring both opportunities and challenges, staying informed is key to ensuring inclusive solutions remain a priority. 1. The Growing Role of AI in Healthcare Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more integrated into healthcare systems, from streamlining administrative tasks to assisting with medical decision-making. However, automated processes aren't always perfect—errors in Medicaid eligibility systems, for example, have previously resulted in wrongful disenrollment for eligible individuals. As AI continues to evolve, ensuring these technologies serve all individuals fairly is essential. 2. The Future of Medicaid and Community Care Medicaid is a vital resource for individuals with disabilities, providing access to long-term care, home-...

Success Spotlight: Montae Warren

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We’re excited to share the story of Montae Warren, whose hard work and dedication have led him to success at Michaels! Montae began working with The Choice Group in June 2023. He independently applied for jobs, demonstrating his drive to find the right opportunity. In March 2024, he landed a position at Michaels, where his strengths—organization and attention to detail—help him excel in his role. Like many job seekers, Montae faced obstacles in the workplace. He sought clearer instructions from supervisors, positive reinforcement for his efforts, and a strong, supportive team environment. Through our Follow Along services, we’ve worked together to ensure he has the tools and support he needs to thrive. Since starting his position, Montae has shown remarkable growth. He takes notes to retain important information, actively advocates for himself, and has gained confidence in the workplace. His dedication and work ethic have not gone unnoticed—he was recently named Employee of the Month! ...

Building Bridges for Safety: Inclusive First Responder Training

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We believe that empowerment through knowledge and real-world experiences is key to creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with different life circumstances and abilities. That’s why we’re excited to see programs like the Sensory Friendly First Responder Safety Seminar making a difference in our community. Hosted by the Autism Society of Central Virginia and the Richmond Police Department, this immersive training event gave children and teens with autism the chance to interact with first responders in a safe, structured environment. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises, learning what to do in real-world situations—such as traffic stops, emergency calls, and fire safety. Why These Trainings Matter For individuals with a disability, unfamiliar or high-stress interactions—especially with law enforcement or emergency personnel—can be challenging. Sensory sensitivities, communication differences, or unexpected responses may be misinterpreted in high-pressure moments. That’s ...