November 9, 2012
Meet Jason Faust. As a teen who struggled with mental illness, he could not have imagined that his future would hold
satisfying employment, greater independence and pride. He just needed to find the right support to get there.
Jason’s first stop was Nebraska’s VR agency, where he learned he was eligible to receive free employment services through Ticket to Work. With help from VR, he found employment and looked forward to working in a field that he loved. But Jason worried about his benefits, and what would happen after his VR services stopped.
A cooperative arrangement between Nebraska’s VR agency and a local Employment Network would allow Jason to receive the ongoing support he needed to stay employed and increase his earnings over time. This arrangement, known as Partnership Plus, gives Ticket program participants access to individualized services that can help them succeed after they are on the job.
When Jason’s case closed, he decided to work with Easter Seals, an EN that has a Partnership Plus agreement with Nebraska VR. They picked up the torch and provided benefits counseling. They helped him stay focused on meeting his career goals, and provided guidance when he needed it. Jason says it was nice to have someone in his corner to help him advance his career.
Jason now earns enough money to own a home, and he no longer relies on Social Security disability benefits. He says it feels good to be independent, and he’s grateful for the help he received along the journey to his “dream job.” Read Jason's full story at www.choosework.net/success.
With support from Ticket to Work, Nebraska VR and Easter Seals, Jason found his path to a better future. Find yours. To learn more, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/work or call 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY/TDD).
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Posted in You Can Work Series | 1 Comment »
September 25, 2012
The You Can Work blog series continues to spotlight the achievements of jobseekers with disabilities who found their path to a better future with help from Social Security’s Ticket to Work program. Today we are featuring Terry Anderson, a single mother who celebrated one of the most important anniversaries of her life. She has been cancer-free for four years! As an active person who believes that employment is important to her health and well-being, Terry was anxious to return to work when she began to feel better.
She was also concerned about being “51 in a 20-something workforce.” It had been years since she had to apply and interview for a position. Naturally, she felt out of practice and nervous. Terry sought help from Iowa Workforce Development Center, one of many One-Stop career centers known for the array of employment support services they offer clients in a single location. Through the Ticket program, Iowa Works helped Terry coordinate career preparation and a job hunt. “They offered workshops on interview skills”, she says. “I had my resume refurbished. I learned fresh job-hunting strategies and new computer skills! At first, I was too proud to ask for help. I’m glad that I did.”
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Posted in You Can Work Series | 4 Comments »
September 3, 2012
By Bob Williams, Associate Commissioner for the Social Security's Office of Employment Support Programs
In observance of Labor Day, the day meant to remind us of the importance of the American Worker, I would like to share some success stories of people with disabilities who used Social Security’s Ticket to Work and Work Incentives to make a change in their lives. I continue to be impressed by the determination of these individuals to achieve a higher quality of life, earn more money, and enjoy the benefits of being financially independent.
Let me introduce another one of our success stories:
Five years ago, Terry Anderson confronted two major challenges in her life: she was diagnosed with cancer and then lost the job she had held for 11 years. Read More...
Posted in Leadership Messages, You Can Work Series | 2 Comments »
August 31, 2012
By Bob Williams, Associate Commissioner for the Social Security's Office of Employment Support Programs
In observance of Labor Day, the day meant to remind us of the importance of the American Worker, I would like to share some success stories of people with disabilities who used Social Security’s Ticket to Work and Work Incentives to make a change in their lives. I continue to be impressed by the determination of these individuals to achieve a higher quality of life, earn more money, and enjoy the benefits of being financially independent.
Let me introduce one of our success stories:
Robert Statam served in the U.S. Army for several years, and then sustained a spinal cord injury that left him with limited mobility.Read More...
Posted in Leadership Messages, You Can Work Series | 4 Comments »
May 11, 2012
Our You Can Work blog series continues to highlight the achievements of adults with disabilities who found a better, self-supporting future with help from Social Security’s Ticket to Work program. This feature spotlights Robert Statam. Robert is a veteran and Ticket to Work beneficiary who enjoys fishing, sporting events, and his job as a National Service Officer for Paralyzed Veterans of America. Watch his success story video.
Ticket to Work offers free employment support services to people like Robert, who are recipients of Social Security disability benefits. There are also Work Incentives that make it easier for people to enhance their job skills through training and work experience. Robert heard about Ticket to Work and waited until the right time to pursue employment. “Ticket to Work helped me go to work where my heart is,” he said. The program helped Robert prepare for a new, satisfying career. It can happen for you too. Visit the website for more inspiring stories, and learn how Social Security’s Ticket to Work program can help you.
For more information, explore www.choosework.net, email us at support@chooseworkttw.net, or call 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY/TDD). Subscribe to the Choose Work blog today for updates on Ticket to Work. You’ll receive an alert each time we update the blog!
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Posted in Ticket Program News, You Can Work Series | 4 Comments »