WE BELIEVE IN CHANGE

At First Point Services, located in Santa Monica, California, our core mission is to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to achieve their full potential, secure fulfilling employment, and actively engage in their communities. Within this overarching mission, “Employment Services” stands as a cornerstone and a primary driver, directly enabling our participants to gain economic independence, contribute their talents, and fully integrate into the workforce and broader society.

The concept of “Employment Services” for First Point Services encompasses a comprehensive and individualized suite of programs designed to prepare, place, and support individuals with IDD in competitive, integrated employment settings. It’s about much more than just finding a job; it’s about identifying strengths and interests, building vocational skills, navigating the job market, securing a suitable position, and providing ongoing support to ensure long-term success and job satisfaction.

This topic is profoundly relevant to First Point Services’ goals because:

  • Securing Fulfilling Employment (Direct Alignment):

    • This goal is the most direct intersection with “Employment Services.” Our services actively work to connect participants with jobs that match their skills, interests, and aspirations. This includes vocational assessment, job readiness training (e.g., resume building, interview skills, workplace etiquette), job development (identifying and cultivating employer relationships in Santa Monica and beyond), job placement, and initial as well as ongoing job coaching. The very essence of our employment services is to make this goal a reality.

  • Achieving Full Potential (Personal Growth and Empowerment):

    • Employment is a powerful catalyst for personal growth. Through “Employment Services,” participants gain more than just a paycheck; they develop new skills, build confidence and self-esteem, learn responsibility, and experience the dignity of work. The sense of purpose and accomplishment derived from a job contributes significantly to an individual’s overall well-being and helps them achieve their full potential in all aspects of life, including financial independence and autonomy.

  • Active Community Engagement (Social Inclusion and Contribution):

    • Workplaces are vital hubs of social interaction and community participation. “Employment Services” facilitates this by placing individuals in integrated settings where they interact with colleagues, customers, and the broader public. This process directly promotes active community engagement by fostering social connections, reducing isolation, and enabling individuals with IDD to become contributing members of the local economy and society in Santa Monica. It helps break down societal barriers and stereotypes.

  • Economic Independence and Stability:

    • Fulfilling employment provides participants with their own income, leading to greater financial independence, choice, and stability. This reduces reliance on public benefits and empowers individuals to make their own purchasing decisions, contributing to their overall quality of life and self-sufficiency. Our employment services are instrumental in fostering this crucial aspect of independence.

  • Partnerships with Employers and the Community:

    • Effective “Employment Services” require strong, sustained relationships with employers. We act as a bridge, educating businesses on the benefits of an inclusive workforce, providing ongoing support to both the employee and employer, and demonstrating the value that individuals with IDD bring. This collaborative approach ensures a receptive and supportive environment for our participants in the Santa Monica job market.

As of today, First Point Services views “Preparing for life after high school” as a paramount opportunity to intervene early and strategically. By investing in this crucial transitional phase, we can proactively equip young adults with IDD with the skills, confidence, and connections necessary to not only navigate adulthood but to truly thrive, thereby realizing our mission in Santa Monica and beyond.

EVERY MOMENT COUNTS

Join Us in Making a Difference

Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.

At First Point Services, we understand that every moment counts in an individual’s journey toward achieving their full potential and thriving in their community. Don’t let another moment pass by; join us in empowering adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to build fulfilling lives. Your support, whether through volunteering, donations, or advocacy, directly impacts the lives we touch. Act now, because every moment counts toward building a more inclusive and supportive community.

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Change a life today

At First Point Services, we believe everyone has a role to play in creating a more inclusive world. Whether you’re passionate about supporting individuals with ID/DD (Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities), seeking meaningful volunteer opportunities, or simply want to stay informed, we have ways for you to get involved.