Coming out from the covid cocoon, eight RAISE employees have been working since October 2021 at partnering agencies - Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando, The Roth Family JCC, Jewish Academy of Orlando, Kinneret, Central Florida Hillel and Congregation Ohev Shalom. Employees work two days a week and attend weekly Lunch and Learn sessions to develop and improve their employability and social skills, build their confidence, and promote independence in order to be able to apply for jobs in the community.

The success of RAISE, which is an acronym for Recognizing Abilities & Inclusion of Special Employees, is seen in the self-confidence of those who have completed the program, and many who have found gainful, permanent employment. Statistics don't lie: 94 percent of RAISE graduates have obtained employment, moved to independent living or enrolled in post-secondary education; and 92 percent of RAISE graduates were hired for employment opportunities in the community.

In fact, the impact of RAISE encouraged two alumni to start their own businesses on Etsy: Leslie Anne sells her drawings of cats that she puts on masks, mugs, mouse pads and other items; and Caitlin is selling the hats she knits online. Ever mindful of giving back to the community, Caitlin has also donated two boxes of her knitted hats to a homeless shelter.

Job coaches have given over 4,000 volunteer hours annually to be a mentor and role model for the employees. Currently RAISE has 25 job coaches who help the employees transition to jobs in the community. One of the RAISE job coaches, Dr. Eliane Norman was honored as one of Kinneret's "8 Over 80" recipients. The gala was held on Sunday, Feb. 27.

RAISE has had four "8 Over 80" honorees on their job coaching team.

"We feel blessed that they have all chosen to dedicate some of their time to help RAISE adults with disabilities," said Director Loren London.

The employees are not the only ones impacted by this program. Once a month RAISE holds a Family Lunch & Learn with guest speakers who talk about mental health, vocational rehabilitation, Best Buddies, resume writing, legal guardianship and more.

The program also offers, at no cost to the families, RAISE Your Voice, a monthly support group for current parents and alumni that focuses on mental health and strategies to help their adult child become more independent. The support group, led by mental health professionals, allows family members to vent their concerns and frustrations and learn about the community resources that are available to help them.

What began eight years ago as a program to help adults with disabilities become ready for the workforce has blossomed into much more than Loren London, founder and director, and Rachel Slavkin, director of Employment and Education, could ever have imagined.

The impact RAISE has had on individuals, families, and businesses is immeasurable.

If you know of someone who may benefit from RAISE or if you would like more information about becoming a volunteer job coach, please apply online at jfgo.org/RAISE, or contact the Federation at 407-645-6432, ext. 236.