The Choice Group

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...

     When I first started working with my client, H.A., it became clear that one of our challenges in finding a job would be controlling his emotions and building self-confidence.  During a meeting with him at his first assessment with The Choice Group, he expressed to me how difficult it was for him to decide to look for a job.  However, he felt confident enough to move forward and we decided that perhaps a stocking job would be a good fit for him.  At first, he was hesitant, not being sure if he could find where things went or if he could become familiar enough with a new store.  I assured him that becoming familiar with a new store would take time, as it would with anyone, and that he should have confidence in himself.      When first explaining the process of applying for jobs to H.A., by meeting and interviewing with managers at different job locations, he began severely crying at the prospect of others’...

The Christmas Party for all of our staff members was a success!  We are so glad that all of our offices could come together and have a great time celebrating their hard work.  The Choice Group was started with just a small group of people with a vision and now we have a network of more than 100 employees who are all so amazingly dedicated to their jobs.  It was good to cut loose and watch people have fun in the selfie-corner!

Sylvia’s virtual resume is a great example of how innovative and resourceful our counselors can be in helping clients find work they’re passionate about. Click here to find out more about Sylvia Frye, or to hire her!

      Meet our Virginia Beach Staff!  With such a large area to serve, including an abundant military presence, our counselors are dedicated to their clients.  It is a source of deep personal satisfaction when we help our clients achieve a new level of independence through gainful employment.  Some of our clients are looking to supplement their disability benefits while others are working to achieve full financial independence through various programs such as Ticket to Work.  Whatever your financial goals, finding meaningful employment can be a part of a well-rounded, enriching lifestyle.  Our knowledgeable and resourceful staff can help you lay the groundwork for whatever your employment goals may be. Tracie Showalter Renee Arnold Kim Heisser Lisa Handke Rebecca Allen Sarah Morgan Kim Yoakum Rachel McGregor Liz Collison Katherine Edwards Roxanne Monroe Amorita Clark Nanc...

     Straight from EARN exchange,  Business and Disability Blog are top reasons why having an inclusive and diverse workforce has a strategic advantage.  During the month of October, National Disability Employment Awareness month, take time to think about how your business could benefit from diverse perspectives. Benefits of Diversity Diverse workplaces have a distinct strategic advantage over less diverse competitors. Some of the most significant benefits of workforce diversity include: -The opportunity to capitalize on the diverse knowledge-base of workers when relating to different groups, including customers, partners and staff -Increased innovation and creativity -Reduced skills shortages -Improved ...