When you donate to the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin, you fund life-changing programs and services that help our friends and families rise above their circumstances. You've already heard about DSAW Connects, the power of DSAW's community, and our Prenatal Diagnosis Support Group. Did you know that DSAW also provides employment services for individuals with Down syndrome and related disabilities?
In July 2020, DSAW formed a partnership with Engauge Workforce Solutions. Engauge is a placement agency for manufacturing, and they also have a training facility in Menomonee Falls designed to teach people basic manufacturing skills, forklift training, assembly, and welding. In addition to training, they do outsourcing by bringing in assembly work. Wendy Schmidt, DSAW's Vocational Services and Business Development Manager, finds that this outsourcing is "a great way for individuals with diverse abilities to try out a job in manufacturing in a smaller, more supported environment." If clients do well and want to continue to work in manufacturing, Engauge can place them into one of their partner businesses as a temp for 90 days, after which they can be hired by the business.
This service was made possible through support from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Wendy recognizes the impact of this partnership by saying, "It's not often you find a company that is willing to open up their doors to multiple individuals at one time, train them, and help them grow." Cassandra Skindzelewski of Enguage shares that "At Enguage, we believe meaningful work can change lives...We value the unique perspectives different populations bring, and we are passionate about helping our clients to successfully embrace workforce diversity."
Jayvion began working at Engauge a few months ago. He really enjoys working with the pieces and seeing what goes in to each product. He loves working with different people and developing new job skills. He says he never thought he would have worked in manufacturing, but now that he is, he can't see himself switching careers!
Cassie knows that "By working with DSAW, we have been able to collaborate and prove how individuals with Down syndrome and related disabilities are more than capable of succeeding in manufacturing." DSAW's partnership with Engauge helps people to rise above the difficulties of securing meaningful employment, and it helps them make a fair wage, too!
Please consider DSAW in your year-end giving. You have the power to help people like Jayvion find jobs. By donating today, you can provide someone with Down syndrome in Wisconsin a job that they enjoy.
