ECF believes that every adult who wants to work deserves the opportunity to earn a paycheck. Too often, adults with developmental disabilities face barriers to employment due to lack of experience and specialized training. Exceptional Works is a continuum of employment services to help participants find, secure and maintain employment in the community.

Accelerated Preparation Program

The Accelerated Preparation Program expedites the time it takes adults with lower-than-average work productivity levels (below 75%) to prepare for more advanced employment training by:

• Teaching the work, life and soft skills needed to become employable.
• Assessing participant strengths and matching training to their interests.
• Providing customized instruction and training materials for each individual.
• Offering work experience that pays minimum wage while providing support and training around work habits, behaviors and skills.

Participants complete the program with a broader set of skills and increased self-motivation to accelerate their transition into Work Readiness classes or the Exceptional Training Academy.

Work Readiness Classes

Through instruction and group learning, participants develop the skills needed to conduct a job search and maintain employment, including: understanding different job opportunities, completing applications, writing a resume, interviewing, professional grooming and hygiene, workplace communication, and personal development and growth.

Participants who have successfully completed the Accelerated Preparation Program or individuals who are currently participating in the Exceptional Training Academy or Exceptional Packaging Solutions may also participate in Work Readiness classes.

Exceptional Packaging Solutions

This program provides participants with a combination of vocational skill training and paid work experience at minimum wage. Individuals with a 75% work productivity level or higher may participate daily in paid work experience with packaging and assembly of contract work secured by ECF.

During work experience hours, participants also receive training in professionalism and following detailed instructions, with a focus on increasing attention span and maintaining a high work productivity level – a requirement for continued participation in the program. Participants work in an integrated setting alongside members of the local community, accelerating their teamwork skills and preparing them for community-based work.

For the non-working portion of their day, participants may take Work Readiness (see above) classes or use their time to accomplish their other goals, such as attending community college, volunteering, and participating in different programs.

Learn how your business can benefit from ECF’s high-quality, competitively-priced packaging services.

Exceptional Training Academy

This program offers vocational training in computer literacy, culinary arts, janitorial services, retail sales and warehouse operations. Upon successful completion of their training, participants will have learned the skills necessary to help them secure meaningful employment with a community employer. Participants also have the option to participate in the Exceptional Packaging Solutions program for up to three hours per day, earning minimum wage.

College Classroom Program

In partnership with educational institutions, ECF staff provide in-class support to adult students, helping them successfully complete vocational training courses.

For more information, contact Jessica Baker, at jbaker@ecf.net or 310-242-4455.

Click here for more information on NTMA Training Centers

Click here for more information to ECF’s In-Class and Career Support Services Program.

Exceptional Employment Solutions

This program helps participants prepare for obtaining and retaining community-based employment earning a fair market wage – and, with many jobs, benefits as well. First, clients’ interests and skills are assessed to help determine what types of jobs would be a good match for them. Next, they receive job search and interview support. Once hired, they can receive ongoing job coaching and case management services from ECF to ensure a smooth transition into their new role, and to foster solid communications between the client and their employer.

ECF proudly partners with over 70 local businesses to provide a wide variety of employment opportunities for program participants in industries including retail, computer software testing, clerical, warehouse operations, culinary services and janitorial. This range of opportunity increases participants self-determination, financial security and independence.

Learn more about hiring pre-screened, well-prepared job candidates from ECF.

For more information about Exceptional Employment Solutions, contact Jessica Baker, at jbaker@ecf.net or 310-242-4455.