During the Bridgeport High School Senior Assembly, Vincent Pinti’s name was announced many times for his recognitions, contributions, and scholarship awards.  Among those scholarships was one from Bridgeport’s Job Squad, a local organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities.  The scholarship committee selected Vincent not because of his disability, but because of his academics, leadership qualities and contributions to the community at large.

 

For thirty-five years, Bridgeport’s Job Squad has been changing the lives of those with intellectual, physical or developmental disabilities.  By creating a pathway for independence, the non-profit organization enables clients to become employable and thrive within our community.  With offices in Bridgeport and Charleston, Job Squad has placed hundreds of people in jobs using a unique person-centered approach based on preferences and skills.

 

“Typically, employment programs find job opportunities and try to place clients in those slots just because there is an opening,” said CEO Jim Womeldorff.  “At Job Squad, we do a community-based assessment and determine the strengths of each client.  Then, we try to match them with employers around the state that would work best with that individual’s strengths and allow an opportunity for advancement and growth.  This ensures that the employee and the employer are satisfied with the placement.”

 

With over 30 people on staff, Job Squad continues to offer support after the placement is made.  In some situations, that can mean a full-time job coach on-site and in other situations, it can include interpreters, accommodations, or upgrading job skills for new tasks.  

 

The organization uses community outreach programs, career fairs and referrals to build a client base. The clients are then trained in job seeking skills such as interviewing, creating resumes and filling out job applications.  Career counselors are on hand to offer assistance and work with area businesses to create employment matches.  

 

“We have over 80 clients placed at the FBI facility, an invaluable partner for our program,” said Womeldorff.  “We also have an entire mail sorting facility in Charleston.”

 

Womeldorff has a background in psychological rehabilitation and, along with a team of other professionals, saw great potential for those with disabilities.  He has a great passion for helping the disabled population and is dedicated to helping each of them live with dignity, confidence and the highest level of independence possible.  He is also an active member of the West Virginia Association for Disability Employment (WADE).

 

“Job Squad has so many success stories, often within our own organization,” said Womeldorff.  “Zach Sandy, who made headlines for surviving a lightning strike, started out with us in custodial work.  He is now our Information and Facilities Manager and doing an amazing job.”

 

For those seeking employment opportunities with Job Squad or additional information, visit www.jobsquadinc.org.