RAISE participants of Shalom Orlando. Courtesy: RAISE

Shalom Austin Jewish Family Service is proud to announce the upcoming launch of RAISE—an exciting step forward in supporting adults with disabilities as they develop essential job and social skills. The employment readiness program, licensed from Shalom Orlando and the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando, has a successful track record spanning more than a decade, and now, Shalom Austin is bringing this impactful initiative to the community.  

RAISE, which stands for Recognizing Abilities & Inclusion of Special Employees, is designed to empower individuals with disabilities who are seeking employment but face challenges finding work. Through a nine-month, part-time work experience, participants will gain valuable on-the-job training at partnering locations, both on and off the Dell Jewish Community Campus. The program provides each participant with a sense of purpose, dignity, and appropriate compensation for their time – all in a supportive and inclusive environment.  

Under the direction of Whitney Emmons, JFS disability and inclusion manager, preparations for the program’s launch are well underway. Emmons has been hard at work reviewing curriculum, planning partnerships with local job sites, and collaborating with Shalom Austin staff across multiple agencies and departments. The application process for both participants and volunteer job coaches will open this spring, and the first cohort is set to begin their journey at participating job sites this fall.  

“We are thrilled to be creating these valuable opportunities for neurodivergent adults to enhance their job skills and employability so they can more easily compete in the workforce,” Emmons said. “Having such a proven and polished program ready for full rollout is incredibly exciting, and I can’t wait to see the positive impact it will have on our community.”  

In addition to job training, RAISE offers participants the chance to develop their social skills, build self-esteem, and foster independence at home and in the workplace. The program also provides guidance for participants and their families to set and achieve new goals, as well as access to community resources and opportunities.  

The program’s success lies in its comprehensive approach: personalized job coaching, supportive work environments, and partnerships with businesses and organizations dedicated to inclusion. RAISE also honors the legacy of its founder Loren London’s brother Barry, whose experiences inspired the program’s mission of helping individuals overcome employment and social challenges.  

Looking ahead, Jewish Family Service plans for substantial growth of the RAISE program in both size and scope over the coming years. With its small initial cohort, the program aims to build a strong foundation and gradually expand to serve more individuals and create additional employment opportunities. Rabbi Amy Cohen, JFS executive director and Shalom Austin chief social services officer started talking to RAISE in 2021 and this past fall a donor, passionate about accessibility, decided to make this program a reality.   

“This is one of many important steps in ensuring our campus is enabling everyone in our community to thrive and to give back to the larger Austin community through meaningful employment,” Rabbi Cohen said. 

As the Austin community embraces this initiative, Shalom Austin is calling on businesses, organizations, and volunteers to join in this effort to foster inclusion and create meaningful change. Applications for participants and job coaches will be available this spring.  

For more information on how to get involved, contact Whitney Emmons at [email protected].