October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month!

 National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme is "The Right Talent, Right Now." Read about Bertha Iness, who is Entrust Community Services success story. 

Bertha Iness is one of our favorite success stories at Entrust Community Services! She began her journey with us several years ago in our High School Transition program. Her story epitomizes the purpose, intent and possible outcomes of the various programs we offer. Bertha worked well with our instructors during the 3 years she was in the Transition Program (also called Project Discovery). She continued to build skills and confidence as she progressed through the program at a pace that was appropriate for her. She learned job skills while training at Memorial Hospital, Burlington Coat Factory, TJ Max and Rite Aid.

 Once she graduated from high school, she transferred to our Group Supported Employment. There, for nearly two years, Bertha continued to hone her work skills and improve her ability to effectively interact with people in the community. She is currently enrolled in our Individual Supported Employment program and was hired by the YWCA in Yakima. She works 20 hours a week and the YWCA staff loves her.

When asked how her progression through our programs has impacted her life, Bertha will tell you that she is grateful to be getting over her extreme shyness…and making new friends. The YWCA is a wonderful fit for Bertha, because the staff there have a unique understanding of shy women who have difficulty speaking up for themselves. Congratulations to Bertha!

If you would like to learn more about the programs Bertha benefited from, or find out if you might qualify, please contact Karmel at 509-834-2950.