The Choice Group

The  Choice Group’s “Maximizing Earning Potential Through Career Pathways” (MAX service) is here to help students looking for guidance on starting a career and managing their finances. This program is designed to support students and young adults in making smart decisions about work and money. What is the MAX Service? The MAX service is a group presentation, available both online and in person, that covers essential topics to help students succeed in the workforce: Explore Career Options : Learn about different career paths and how to match your skills to the right jobs. Transferable Skills : Identify skills already have that are valuable in many jobs. Job Market Insights : Get updated on which industries are hiring and what skills are in demand. Social Security & Medicaid Basics : Understand how working affects benefits and how to maximize your earnings. Budgeting Tips : Learn to manage money, track expenses, and work toward financial independence. Parents can also receive lea...

At The Choice Group, we are dedicated to fostering the talents of individuals through tailored employment programs. Vincent Murray from our Hampton Roads team shares the remarkable work of Xavion Simon, who has thrived through Project SEARCH and Supported Employment. Xavion began as an intern with Project SEARCH in April 2023. His exceptional performance during the internship led to a job offer from Sentara's Environmental Service Department. Since starting in this position, Xavion has demonstrated incredible dedication in his role. Xavion's attention to detail, effective communication, teamwork, and time management skills have made him highly proficient in his duties. These strengths have enabled him to excel in tasks such as cleaning, mopping, and sanitizing various hospital areas, including bathrooms, windows, walls, and furniture. His thoroughness and reliability have made him a valued team member. One of the initial challenges Xavion faced was his reaction to constructive...

The Choice Group team takes pride in empowering individuals to develop skills and achieve their employment goals. Jenn DePuy from our Hampton Roads team shares that pride as she recounts the story of Lewis Turner, whose path through Skills Training and Supported Employment demonstrates the success and importance of the programs we offer. Lewis Turner began working with The Choice Group in October 2023, when Jenn and Lewis discovered that Texas Roadhouse may be the ideal place for him to work. Despite facing challenges such as navigating paratransit, adapting tasks, and orienting himself to a new environment, Lewis persevered with determination. Now, months into his employment, Lewis has made significant strides. Lewis's motivation and independence have been pivotal in his success. He possesses excellent compensatory skills, which help him adapt and thrive in his role. Since starting his position at Texas Roadhouse, Lewis has set up robust natural supports for himself and has becom...

At The Choice Group, we take pride in supporting our clients in finding purposeful employment, enabling them to lead full and enriching lives. One such story comes from Billy Kraus, who has been working with Daylin Wilkins in the Hampton Roads area. Known for his caring nature, Daylin exemplified this quality in May when, while completing tasks on a worksite, he noticed a woman struggling to help an injured bird near the water. Without hesitation, he approached her and used his work vest to safely wrap the bird and assist in its rescue. This act of kindness did not go unnoticed. Military personnel arrived shortly after to continue caring for the bird and commended Daylin for his assistance. The military site manager even reached out to Daylin's manager to express gratitude for his compassionate actions. Daylin Wilkins teamed up with The Choice Group in January 2021. Through a series of situational assessments and job development sessions, Billy and Daylin worked together to find th...

At The Choice Group, we work tirelessly to help clients find employment that enhances their lives. Billy Kraus from our Hampton Roads team shares a story about Nicholas Cunningham, whose experience demonstrates the power of sustained employment. Nicholas Cunningham began working with Billy in April 2021. To identify the best job opportunities, Nicholas helped pull weeds at a job site as part of a situational assessment. Nicholas enjoyed the task so much that he applied for a position with the landscaping company , after a little encouragement from the employer. He has now been employed there for three years. Since starting his position, Nicholas has achieved significant milestones. He has been promoted to Crew Lead, a role in which he drives, supervises, and trains his crew at each job site. His job tasks include various landscaping duties, and his leadership skills have afforded him the opportunity to mentor new employees and build strong connections with his managers and coworkers. ...

Dedication, perseverance, and a supportive community are at the heart of every success story. For Richard Corliss, his journey towards meaningful employment has been nothing short of remarkable, thanks to the unwavering support of Rita Dee, his dedicated counselor at The Choice Group. Corliss, a valued member of our program, found employment in the Child Nutrition Services Department of the local school system six years ago. Since 2018, Rita Dee has been by his side, guiding him through each step of his employment journey. One of the first decisions Rita and Richard made together was pinpointing the ideal job for him. Despite having numerous options available, Richard was keenly interested in working in an elementary school cafeteria. Leveraging Richard's strengths, including his remarkable stamina and passion for food service, Rita helped him secure a position that aligned perfectly with his skills and interests. However, like any journey, Richard's path to success wasn't ...

  At the core of every triumph lies a narrative of perseverance, evolution, and the steadfast guidance of committed experts. For Drew Clemens, his path to professional satisfaction has been shaped by the unwavering aid of Meredith Brickhouse, his counselor here at The Choice Group. Since 2020, Meredith has been working closely with Drew, providing personalized support to help him thrive in his employment journey. Drew, a valued member of our program, found meaningful employment at a local hospital, where he excelled in his role as a mentor to interns. Drew's strengths have played a pivotal role in his success in his position. Known for his patience, focus, and dedication, Drew embodies the qualities of an exemplary mentor. His ability to guide and support interns through their professional development has earned him recognition and respect within the hospital community. Since starting his position, Drew has achieved notable milestones, including being awarded Employee of the Year—a...

The world of employment can often bring challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining essential benefits while pursuing work opportunities. Colin's experience with The Choice Group sheds light on how dedicated support can help individuals overcome these obstacles with practical guidance and assistance. Colin's connection with The Choice Group began in 2019, as he started his journey towards a fulfilling career with support from services provided by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Amidst the intricacies of securing and maintaining employment, Colin encountered the need to navigate his Medicaid benefits while actively working—a task that can be overwhelming without proper guidance. A crucial part of Colin's journey was working with a Benefits Counselor from The Choice Group. They helped him understand how his job wouldn't affect his Medicaid coverage, which was vital for his medical needs. As Colin moved from being a cashier to an IT app...

In the normally calm aisles of Harris Teeter, where everyday tasks often revolve around groceries and daily routines, one employee stood out recently for his extraordinary act of compassion and quick thinking. Meet Michael Powell, a familiar face at the Hanbury Road Harris Teeter in Chesapeake, whose passion for helping others extends beyond the supermarket shelves. Michael, a seven-year veteran of The Choice Group, brings a unique blend of dedication and community spirit to both his work at Harris Teeter and his personal pursuits. When he's not bagging groceries, collecting shopping carts, or delivering groceries to customers' vehicles, you might find him engaged in a strategic card game with friends or lending a hand at the Hickory Trading Company coffee shop. When news broke of the disappearance of 82-year-old Janice Hall , who had wandered away from a dental appointment, Michael's immediate response was to offer his assistance. Without hesitation, Michael began searchin...