The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism awarded a $10,000 grant to Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties (JFS) to benefit the agency’s Vocational Services program. The funds will support the project, Opening Doors to Employment: Vocational Services for Autistic Job Seekers & Education for Employers.

The project will offer 30 individuals with autism with comprehensive services so they can set career goals, gain work readiness, succeed in the job market, and build long-term stability. Through a partnership with Stockton University’s Career Center, we will be able to reach additional individuals with disabilities to utilize the potential services. On the employer side, JFS will educate and train businesses about the benefits of having a more diverse workforce and share strategies for adopting more inclusive, autism-friendly hiring and retention practices.

“We are grateful to The Flutie Foundation for selecting JFS to receive this generous grant,” said Nina Stolzenberg, Ph.D., JFS Senior Director of Vocational Services & Justice Involved Services. “Since our agency implemented Vocational Services more than 11 years ago, we have been committed to prioritizing access to job training and competitive employment for people with disabilities so they can attain the best opportunity to earn a living and achieve financial independence.”

“The Flutie Foundation Autism Community Impact Grant helps our partner agencies address a variety of significant needs in the autism community,” says Nick Savarese, Executive Director of The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism. “Programs like these help people on the autism spectrum live life to the fullest and we are proud to support their efforts.”

 In 2013, JFS received an initial Vocational Service grant which focused on assessing work readiness needs of young adults with autism. Today, more than 50% of JFS’ Vocational Services clients are individuals with autism with the program providing career exploration for high school students, workforce entry support for young adults, and more.

For information about JFS’ Vocational Services, visit www.jfsatlantic.org. For information about The Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation for Autism, visit www.flutiefoundation.org.