More Than a Paycheck

Meaningful work. It gives us purpose, a sense of contribution, and belonging. 

Think about the last time you finished a project you were proud of. Maybe it was a program report, a meal you cooked, a room you organized. Remember that feeling of "I did that, and it mattered"?

That feeling is something every human being needs and deserves, but for people with intellectual disabilities and acquired brain injuries, nationwide unemployment rates are staggeringly high. This is not because people lack the desire or ability to work; it is because opportunities, training, and workplace support are scarce. The result isn't just lost income. It's lost identity, lost social connection, and lost dignity.

At CES, we support a wide variety of vocational opportunities within local businesses. Over the next few weeks, we’ll share stories of CES clients doing their meaningful work.

First up is Karla. Karla started working at Children’s Learning Center (CLC), an early childhood nonprofit in Jackson, over a decade ago, but COVID required a hiatus. With great joy, she returned to the baby rooms two years ago and spends one morning a week at CLC. Karla has a reputation as a “baby whisperer,” and the CLC staff love her calm, nurturing presence.

A teacher in a CLC toddler room recently shared that one of their students is ". . . very, very quiet. We use all our strategies to encourage her to talk, but when Karla is here, she talks a lot. They have a special connection."

For Karla, CLC Day is the best day of her week. “I love spending time with the babies. They’re so cute! And I like helping the toddlers work on their manners and playing games with them.”

Donations to CES through events such as Jackson's Old Bill's Fun Run ensure we can always facilitate meaningful work for our clients. We identify vocational interests and abilities, engage employers, troubleshoot, advocate, and provide transportation and job coaching.

For us and for our clients, meaningful work means so much more than a paycheck!