EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN COLORADO

The Autism Society of Colorado wishes to thank AmeriCorps for their support in helping us to gather this important information for our constituents.

To view a fact sheet on Employment & Autism, click here.

Volunteer

AmeriCorps is a national network of programs that engages more than 70,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet critical needs in communities throughout the nation. Please take a look at the exciting  programs and volunteer opportunities available.

AmeriCorps
1201 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20525
1-202-606-5000
1-800-833-3722 TTY
https://my.americorps.gov/
Questions? Visit:
http://www.nationalservice.gov/questions/app/ask

AmeriCorps Colorado Volunteer Opportunities
https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/search.do?criteria.serviceAreas=CED&criteria.programState=CO


Employment & Training

Employment training agencies offer a variety of services to help clients prepare for employment opportunities. If your child is in High School they may already be receiving services through SWAP (School-To-Work Alliance Program) in conjunction with Vocational Rehabilitation.

Many employment training agencies work with Vocational Rehabilitation and may require a referral from Vocational Rehabilitation or TANF to access services. To verify the services offered and requirements, you may contact the employment training agencies directly.

You may also contact the Vocational Rehabilitation program or visit their website for more information.

The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDHS-SelfSuff/CBON/1251580884712

Vocational Rehabilitation Office Locations
http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDHS-SelfSuff/CBON/1251590624505


If you are not familiar with the process or what to expect from an employment training agency, ask questions and make a note of the person you speak with. Some of the questions you may wish to ask include:

1.    How long have you been in business?
2.    What services do you offer (employment training, employment placement, ongoing employment support, volunteer matching)?
3.    What clients do you serve (under 18, ages 18 and up, individuals with developmental disabilities, individuals who are non-verbal, individuals who require assistance)? You can customize this to fit your needs
4.    How many clients do you serve annually?
5.    How does your organization measure success?
6.    Concerning the employees who work one-on-one with clients, what qualifications do you require (no degree, High school diploma/GED, Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Ph. D.)?
7.    Does your agency offer long-term, on-the-job support?
8.    Can you explain how transportation works and/or do you offer transportation?
If so, is there an additional fee for this service?
7.    What else should I know about your organization?


Employment Training Agencies

Employment Link
6290 Lookout Road                    
Boulder, CO 80301
303-527-0627
303-527-0628 Fax
www.emplink.org
Must be referred by DVR or TANF

Bayaud Enterprises
333 West Bayaud Avenue
Denver, CO 80223
303-830-6885 Contact Mary Page ext 203
303-830-6653 Fax
www.bayaudindustries.org
Must be referred by DVR or TANF

Easter Seals- Employment Services
5755 West Alameda Avenue
Lakewood, CO 80226
303-937-7713
303-233-1028 Fax
http://co.easterseals.com
Ages 18 and over
Must be referred through DVR or Community Center Boards

Goodwill Industries
6850 Federal Boulevard
Denver CO, 80221
303-650-7700
www.goodwilldenver.org

Shalom Denver
2498 W. 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80223
303-623-0251
303-620-9584 Fax
www.shalomdenver.com
Shalom provides a sheltered workshop, community supported employment, and DVR assessments, job coaching and job search.

MHCD 2 Succeed Program
456 Bannock Street
Denver, CO 80204
303-504-1700
http://www.mhcd.org/Services/2SucceedInEmployment/Index.html
Must be an MHCD client or enroll in Mental Health Center of Denver services.
Provides employment services, training and post-secondary education support for people with mental illness.

Denver Office of Economic Development
1391 N. Speer Blvd., Suite 520
Denver, CO 80204
720-865-5700
720-865-5681 Fax
www.milehigh.com
Adult and Youth programs available
Agencies contract with the Office of Economic Development to provide youth development services. Call this office for the contact information for these agencies.

Pinyon Ranch
7087 S Madison Way
Centennial, CO 80122
303-229-2331
303-617-6214 Kellie Ciotti Program Coordinator
www.Pinyonranch.org
Pinyon Ranch offers opportunities for socialization, recreation, vocational  training and employment opportunities.

For more information please contact the Autism Society of Colorado’s Information and Referral Department at support@autismcolorado.org.