EMPOWER Pathways

Empowering individuals to overcome barriers to the workplace.

A classroom scene with a woman standing in front of a whiteboard, teaching students who are seated at desks. One student is working on a project with small parts and tools.

Empowered by WE Inc.

Engaging in this program provides individuals living with a disability or facing other barriers with supported training and access to competitive employment. The Pathways Program empowers adults to become independent, support their families, enhance their quality of life, engage in the community and foster competitive work skills.

A two-part collage showing a warehouse. The top part features a man and a representative holding a sign that says "Just Hired!" The woman is giving a handshake, and the background includes warehouse shelves. The bottom part depicts a person working on a woodworking project, aligning a wooden piece with other tools and materials on a table.

Program Overview

Orientation

Classes begin with a brief orientation consisting of a career interest indicator. This indicator is paired with an assessment to determine which pathway fits individual interest and strengths.

Job Readiness Class

During our program, participants have the opportunity to develop essential soft skills such as time management, communication, teamwork, and problem solving. Additionally, our program includes computer literacy classes.

Job Development

Participants gain valuable hands-on training that prepares them for competitive employment. Specialized Pathway Navigators help them move on to their next phase, thus ensuring success.

Paid Internships

Through our community partnerships, individuals practice hands-on application of skill sets learned at a paid, on-site internship.

Resume and Job Search

Pathway Navigators help with resume building and job search tips using our community outreach, partnerships, and connections.

Placement in Outside Employment

After the program concludes, participants gain employment outside WE Inc., and we continue to support the individual for the lifetime of that job!

Empowerment Pathways

A barista in a blue shirt and beige apron hands a to-go coffee cup to a customer wearing a black and white striped shirt at a coffee shop counter, with another customer holding a coffee in the background.

Consumer Services

A woman with short curly hair wearing a mustard-colored sleeveless top, sitting at a desk with a computer monitor, smiling during a virtual meeting or call.

Business

A man assembling metal hardware parts at a workstation in a warehouse or workshop.

Production/ Processing

Top-down view of a cluttered wooden desk with multiple open laptops, smartphones, notebooks, a teapot, cups, and various office supplies, with hands of people working and holding a smartphone.

Technology

A woman wearing safety goggles working on a woodworking project at a classroom desk with various tools and materials, including wood blocks, a hammer, and a yellow tool organizer.

Construction

“Words don’t do justice for how excited I am”

— One of our interns when asked about the Empower Program