The Choice Group

Jorden and Nancy began working together at the end of October 2017.   Jorden lives in Capron and the nearest town with employers is Franklin.   As part of the vocational services process, Nancy arranged an opportunity for Jorden to explore what a Courtesy Clerk does, and Jorden really enjoyed the experience.   The primary purpose of this experience was to give Jorden the opportunity to “try on” a position to determine if the job duties were those he liked and would be capable of doing.   In the process, however, it demonstrated to the manager firsthand how capable he is at doing all required job duties, which worked out well!   The manager of the Farm Fresh in Franklin was impressed.   Although Jorden is personable, he may have had difficulty conveying his abilities in a standard interview.   In this situation, the Manager spoke with Nancy and Jorden after the assessment about open positions, and offered Jorden a job.   Unfortunately,...

Ethan and his Vocational Counselor Nancy McNamara began working together in late 2015. Ethan showed a great interest in working in the food service industry, but he did not have a work history and lives in a rural area with limited employers. Ethan has difficulty answering questions and articulating his abilities in an interview, so Nancy advocated for working interviews. The Owner at Don Pancho's Cantina in Franklin determined Ethan would be an asset to them and decided to give him a chance. Ethan does well in his job because he is friendly and hardworking. Management always makes note of how much the customers love Ethan. They also can always depend on Ethan coming to work on time with a great attitude. His current tasks are to buss tables, clean the parking lot, and host. Hosting includes greeting and seating people and giving them menus, bringing them chips, salsa and silverware. Nancy maintains monthly communication with the Managers and Owner of Don Pancho's, a...

Trivette and her Vocational Counselor Nancy McNamara began working together in the summer of 2015.   Trivette was interested in a position in the food industry.   Although Trivette did not have any prior work experience, and lived in a rural area with limited employment options, they were able to find her a job as Lobby Attendant at the local Dairy Queen, where she started in September of that year and is still working there four years later.   Nancy describes Trivette as hardworking, responsible and reliable, three qualities in demand by employers.   Trivette works hard and always strives to do her best, which had helped her to excel in her position. She recently received a raise and promotion to Food Prep Worker, where she is doing an amazing job.   Instead of cleaning the lobby, restrooms and parking lot, and interacting in a welcoming and positive way with guests, she is now responsible for food prep for salads and sandwiches.   When not involv...

Joshua and his vocational counselor, Justin, began working together in April of this year. Together they found an available position at a local KFC restaurant where Joshua has been employed for the last six months.  In the beginning, Joshua and Justin completed several assessments to determine Josh's interests and the positions that would be the best fit.  This was followed by interviews and finally a job offer. Although having to overcome difficulties with social skills, including being comfortable speaking with others, Joshua’s social skills have improved greatly. Justin helped Joshua work on new ways to approach and greet guests, as well as helping him to remember his daily job duties, which have also significantly improved since first starting employment at KFC.  Joshua has a strong drive to learn new things which has really helped him in his job. He has a very positive attitude and is always excited to come to work. Some of his job duties include washing...

Joseph began working with his vocational counselor, Justin, beginning in June 2019. Together, they found Joseph an internship at Laughing Dragon Kung-Fu, a local martial arts studio, where he has been for 2 months now. While Justin was there to guide Joseph into finding employment, Joseph was the one who initially thought of pursing a position at the studio. After speaking with the manager of the studio, they got the green light for Joseph to start the internship! The manager informed them that everyone at the studio thought it was a great opportunity for Joseph to excel and use his skills to teach others. In the beginning, Joseph had to work on his social skills when teaching the children at the studio, but has shown great improvement. Since beginning the internship at the studio Joseph's patience has increased tremendously and his motivation to work and help others has improved greatly as well. Joseph's determination to do well is one of his strengths that has al...

Alex was referred to the Choice Group by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services in April 2016, and was paired with a Vocational Counselor. Alex had earned a diploma in 2016 from Ocean Lakes High School and participated in a Work Experience Program at the Oceana Commissary Bakery in Virginia Beach. She received assistance in applying for a paid position at the Commissary, and was hired as a Bakery Associate. Alex learned the position with help from her Vocational Counselor, and has worked part time for nearly three years, packaging portions of baked goods in support of the bakery. Alex’s supervisor said that Alex does a good job, follows the rules regarding safety and proper procedures, and enjoys talking with her coworkers while she works. She receives high marks on evaluations from her supervisors, and her smile brightens the mood of all around her. Alex has benefited from her supportive parents, helpful staff and management at the Oceana Commissa...

Nancy NcNamara began working with Derrick in 2016, the same year he landed the job in which he currently works. Three years ago, Derrick was looking to work in the food service industry in the kitchen. Together, he and Nancy found a job at Anna’s Ristorante: Pasta, Vino and Pizza. Not having prior work experience and living in Smithfield where there are limited restaurants, Derrick knew he would have to start out washing dishes, which he does not mind. Along with dishwashing he has also quickly moved up to food prep, fry cooking and sandwich/ sub making. Derrick is very easy-going and personable, everyone that meets him likes him. His coworkers love working with him and think he is a great asset to the restaurant. He is hardworking and dedicated to his job which has made it easy for him to take on more duties and responsibilities. Nancy visits him monthly to check on his progress and has noticed that he has become less shy and had opened up a lot since he started working at Anna’s...

Sean and Nancy began working together in 2014 where they were able to find him a position at a local grocery store. The store was then bought out, along with many others, and converted to a Kroger. Luckily, Sean was able to secure his position and began work at the Kroger in August of 2018. At the time, he was in the follow along program and Nancy was able to help him apply to the position at Kroger so he could continue working. Sean went into PES in 2018 so that Nancy could help him apply for the position and learn how they expected him to do his Courtesy Clerk position. Nancy helped him through this transition and then Sean went back into follow along. When Nancy and Sean first started working together, he was interested in working in a grocery store, but there were only two in the area. Sean had to stay in the area for work because he relies on his parents for transportation, which was a bit challenging but ended up working out just fine. Since beginning his work back...

Rachel McGregor, Vocational Counselor, was serving the Hampton Roads area when Quanita became her client in 2014. Quanita works at a local movie theatre in the area and has been an employee there since 2013. After Quanita graduated from Project SEARCH in 2013 she began looking for a job that would fit the skills she had learned while working at the hospital during her internship. Her tasks at the movie theatre include following a task list to determine which theatres to clean after showings, maintaining the restrooms and keeping the lobby area up to par for guests. Quanita is very reliable, and will pick up any shift she is asked to work. She also has a lot of energy and can work on her feet for long periods of time. Quanita is very independent and lives close to work so she is able to walk if she is unable to find a ride.  Obstacles Quanita has overcome in her position include limiting her socializing and identifying professional work boundaries. Quanita is very friendl...

Pictured here are our Project SEARCH Norfolk Interns on their visit to various City of Norfolk resources during their workshop week. This helps the interns become more familiar with what services are out there for them as they are entering adulthood and the workforce. They have just finished their 2nd internship and will be starting their 3rd internship in the next week! We are so proud of all of the work they have done and everything they have accomplished thus far during their internship. Vocational Counselor, Rachel McGregor, shared this photo of the interns in-front of one of the buildings they visited and has had the pleasure of working with each one of them along their journey. 

As soon as you walk into this grocery store you can’t miss Gina Loucks. She will be the first person to greet you and ask if she can help you. As a Courtesy Clerk, Gina is responsible for completing floor sweeps, collecting carts, bagging groceries, helping customers find products, and taking groceries out to customers’ cars. She has been working at her current employer since 2011 and loves what she does.  Ericka Neville, Vocational Counselor from The Choice Group, began working with Gina in 2010 to help her find a job that would be a good match for her skills and abilities. Gina is a people person and gets joy from helping others. Gina and Ericka worked to identify positions where she could interact with others, submitted applications, and practiced interviewing skills together. When Gina attended an interview with this grocery store, she knew right away that this was the job she wanted.  She was hired, began working in May 2011, and to this day continues to give 100% du...

When counselor Erin Lloyd began working with Shay Ruff, who interned with Blue Ridge Independent Living Center (BRILC) in Roanoke, Virginia back in 2007, she had no way of knowing that she would eventually become an employee.  Ten years later, in the spring of 2017, Shay was hired for a new position, as a Youth Transition Coordinator. She worked with her DARS Placement Counselor and, once hired, was introduced to Erin Lloyd, a Vocational Counselor with The Choice Group.  She and her employer communicated about the position and worked together to ensure accommodations were in place, so that Shay had a work environment in which she felt comfortable. She and her Vocational Counselor worked closely as she began learning her position and adjusted to working in an office setting four days each week. Shay set goals for herself, initially wanting to stay employed there three, and then six months. Almost two years later, Shay is still working with BRILC and speaks of her positio...

Rachel, vocational counselor serving the hampton roads area, began working with Stacey Whitter in the Summer of 2016. S tacey completed the Project SEARCH program and was able to try out different internships throughout the hospital in which he interned for. He did a great job in all 3 of his internships, but, really enjoyed working in Food Services/Patient Foods. Rachel and Stacey quickly realized that one of Stacey's strengths was his ability to connect with people and bring joy to any work environment. Looking at his skills and interests, they really wanted to find Stacey a job where he could be himself and work alongside others who share the same values. Rachel first started working with YNot Italian in the summer of 2016 to find a client, through The Choice Group, to work for them. That is when Stacey found and landed his current position there! YNot Italian has always been a big supporter of disability awareness, especially during the month of October which is National Dis...

Rachel McGregor began working with Jamalerri in the summer of 2014. He has been working in his current position since the summer of 2015. When the grocery store he was working at closed, he was picked up by another grocery store and has been working there beginning in the summer of 2018. In his initial job search, Jamalerri wanted an employer he was comfortable with. He had some work experience in a grocery store in high school and knew he enjoyed the environment. He worked in 3 different rotations while in Project SEARCH and learned what he enjoyed and did not enjoy about different jobs. Jamalerri went on a few interviews and was offered other positions, but did not feel those offers were right for him. Once he interviewed for the position at the grocery store and was offered the job, he knew it was the right job for him. Upon being offered the job at the grocery store, Jamalerri had to overcome some communication barriers. He had been issued an iPod to help with communication, b...

Anthony Lane was one of Nancy McNamara’s first clients upon starting her employment with The Choice Group almost sixyears ago. Anthony was transferred to Nancy while receivingfollow-along services from Ericka Neville, her manager at The Choice Group. Anthony and Nancy have been working together since April of 2013 after Ericka found him a job working at a local Walmart. Anthony interviewed at the Walmart in Franklin and was hired immediately. They loved how friendly and personable Anthony was and found him to be a perfect fit for their store! Anthony is very easy-going and always focused on the task at hand. He looks for additional work after he completes each task because he likes to stay ahead of the game. Anthony’s coworkers often comment on how reliable and helpful he is. He works well with others on his team and is always there to lend a helping hand. Anthony does what is expected of him and his managers speak very highly of him. Nancy monitors Anthony’s work stability and a...

Rachel Brand began working with Austin Cicero one year ago, although, Austin has been with his current employer since April of 2013. Austin completed three internships through Project SEARCH Williamsburg that allowed him to explore his interests and ultimately lead him to his current position. Austin is organized, friendly and an all-around team player which are perfect skills for his position as an equipment assistant for William and Mary Athletics. Austin works hard to remember all of the staff and players by name and always brings a cheerful smile with him to work.  When Austin became full-time he had to learn many additional duties which Rachel was able to assist him in learning. Austin quickly learned all of his new duties and excelled in them. Being such a positive influence he was invited to be a guest speaker at the Project SEARCH graduation in 2017. This was a huge achievement and honor for him! Austin is a testament to the program’s success as he has been happily empl...

Rachel McGregor began working with Samantha Hasty in the summer of 2017 where she found work at a local navy base. Samantha started working with her current employer in the summer of last year. Samantha’s job tasks include w iping down tables, working in the dish room, interacting with guests, putting away clean dishes away, and maintain the dining area on the naval base. Samantha has made some major achievements working in her position including receiving a customer service award from her employer as well as gaining  independence and confidence.  Samantha has such a outgoing and friendly personality. Working in an atmosphere like the naval base allows her to communicate with many different people in a day. She is able to socialize and enjoy herself while working hard.  Samantha began participating in Project SEARCH where she completed 3 internships in 3 different areas and discovered that she had a passion f...

Robert and Tyzeek, friends and coworkers!  Rachel McGregor  began working with Tyzeek Gadson beginning in the summer of 2015 and Robert Sanchez the summer of 2011. Tyzeek has currently been employed loading navy ships with supplies going on 2 years and Robert for 5 years. Both clients began their employment search with an interest in materials management and completed internships in materials management while in Project SEARCH. Both Tyzeek and Robert excel in different aspects of their jobs because their strengths differ. Tyzeek is very strong physically and is able to lift a lot of heavy material, whereas Robert has good attention to detail and his visual and auditory skills help him to understand the process of loading the ships efficiently. Although, both young men work together to get the job done and support each other every step of the way.  Both Tyzeek and Robert overcame obstacles during their time at Project SEARCH that helped them find the...

Vocational Counselor Rachel McGregor began working with Chanell Teasley in the Summer of 2017. Beginning in September of 2018, Rachel helped her find work at a local elementary school. " Chanell has always had an interest in food services as well as in childcare. We decided to look at a position within the schools where she could blend both interests” McGregor said.  Chanell is very friendly and loves people. She uses her fun personality to interact with the students and also has great attention to detail and is able to learn tasks quickly. Chanell has grown with her independence and confidence as she has been working at the school. Her tasks include but are not limited to prepping the food, serving the students, cleaning the kitchen and washing the dishes as needed. Before finding the job at the local elementary school, Chanell worked on improving her stamina while participating in Project SEARCH. She was able to build up to be able to work for several hours on...

Rachel Brand has been with The Choice Group for one year. Rachel serves the Peninsula of Hampton Roads in Williamsburg and Yorktown. She works closely with Project SEARCH at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center (SWRMC). One of Rachel’s most memorable experiences working with The Choice Group was being able to work with High School Pre-ETS clients this summer facilitating Work Based Learning Experiences. Her favorite aspect was getting to work at several farms and animal shelters. Many of her clients opened up and became much more comfortable being around animals and being outdoors. Rachel enjoyed this because she also loves being around animals and being outdoors.  Rachel loves working with The Choice Group because “no one day is ever the same”. She feels blessed to have had so many diverse experiences in her first year being a part of the team. We are thrilled to have Rachel with us and look forward to many more years with her!