Local organization assists the disabled

Life has its difficulties, even for talented and blessed people. But growing up with a physical or mental disability puts people at a severe disadvantage in multiple ways. Some people with these disadvantages learn to live within the confines of their capabilities and in the care of loved ones. In contrast, others don’t let it define them and learn how to live regular lives and become productive members of society. We Care Employment Services is a program that helps and encourages those with disabilities the knowledge and training to become functional adults.
“This program is an added competence to what I started 25 years ago once I entered the medical field, specializing in assisting people with disabilities,” said Marvin Cutchins, CEO of the program, in explaining the history and why he started it. “Over time, I acquired assisted living homes, and my clients would attend workshops, which helped them find employment with stores with contracts to the organization. Once the owner died, many of my clients complained that the new regime wasn’t properly serving them, and around 2018, I was allowed to open my own employment services program for them.”
We Care Community Employment Service provides comprehensive skill-building, prevocational, and vocational opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities interested in employment options. They provide training for resume building, personal employment, dress code, interviewing skills and techniques, applying for employment, job etiquette, personal hygiene, proper behavior at the job site, job safety, job coach pairing, worksite job coaching, and so much more!
“We have built a network of companies we cycle our clients through for employment and function. Everybody involved must be on the same page about the direction we are going in,” Cutchin explained. “When starting the vetting process, we always ask the individual what they want to do and what they have experience in. Some have an idea, some don’t, but we start with extensive training in the community, so when it’s time for them to start working, they are well prepared.” We Care also offers relocation of employment for every individual regardless of the reason.
For an individual to be considered for the program, they have to be an affiliate at the We Care residential facility, which spans over 25 locations within Southern California. They welcome all individuals regardless of disabilities and often ex-gang members, but one thing Cutchins wants to make clear is that every participant comes ready to learn, work, and be cooperative with the process.
” We want to match their drive to success because if they succeed we succeed and society gets to welcome a kind-hearted, hard-working person to it,” Cutchins said.
To find a regional center near you visit www.dds.ca.gov/rc.