Community Vision’s Employment Connections Program provides customized support for people with disabilities who seek meaningful employment.
The program helps businesses fulfill labor needs while helping people gain valuable experience and skills necessary to achieve financial stability, to work within their communities, and to make a difference in the lives of others.
WHY
People with disabilities have the right to contribute, live, work, and thrive in the community of their choice. Employment is not just about a paycheck. It is also about social and personal value – both to the individual and the community.
- People with disabilities are 3 to 4 times more likely to live in poverty
- Approximately 75% of people with disabilities in the United States are unemployed
- Employment develops confidence, skills, and experience. These developments empower individuals to be financially independent and positively engage with their communities.
CHECK OUT CV’S VIDEO HIGHLIGHTING OUR EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM!
HOW IT WORKS
Community Vision staff works with job seekers to assess their skills, preferences,and goals and to determine their ideal work environment. We also work closely with business partners to create jobs that fulfill specific needs while considering the skills of the employee. All placement and job training services are provided cost-free to our job seekers and business partners.
- Job Analysis: Community Vision works with the business to clearly define a position. This includes defining the position’s responsibilities, skills needed, and expectations of quality and production.
- On-the-Job Training: An experienced job trainer provides on-site training until the new employee meets the employer’s standards. The trainer also works with supervisors and co-workers to develop effective support strategies.
- Systematic Evaluation: Community vision follows-up with the employer as needed to ensure that the employee’s performance is meeting company standards.
- Additional Training and Follow-Up: At the employer’s request, we can expand or refine job duties. A job trainer provides additional training to the employee and ongoing support to both employee and employer.
Success Stories
Jonathan and Trader Joe’s

Jonathan had been looking for a job for some time before walking into Trader Joe’s with his job developer to check things out. From the moment he walked into the store, he felt as though this could be a place where he belonged. After going through the application and interview process, Jonathan was offered the job and he has been working there since March 2019. He loves the camaraderie with his co-workers, the leadership of his supervisors, and the opportunity to work right in his own neighborhood. His positive attitude and willingness to learn has made him a highly valued team member there and he plans to work there for a long time to come! Jonathan says, “A few of my favorite things at work are being able to see the smiles on the customers’ faces, and being able to have a bit of fun, and feeling like a big family!”
Abby and St. John’s Ace Hardware

Hello, this is Abby from ACE Hardware in St. Johns. My first day was May 22, 2018. I enjoy stocking and building wheelbarrows. I work part-time 4 days a week. This is my first paid job, and I’m really excited! The people that work there are very nice and helpful. They have really cool keys, which I want to get when I get my first paycheck. I also want to save up for a laptop. I am really looking forward to getting my first paycheck!
Thank you so much!
And Many More Success Stories



Partner With Us
Contact us to explore how your business can take part in this opportunity to fulfill the employment needs of your business, support your community and improve others’ lives. Contact Dawn Bootz.
Business Partners
- Ace Hardware
- Advance Auto Parts
- Bikes for Humanity
- Bon Appetit Dining at University of Portland
- Bridgetown Enterprises
- Brown and Brown NW
- Cintas
- Guardian Games
- Imperfect Foods
- Jimmy Johns
- Lowe’s Hardware
- NAI Elliot
- Otto’s Sausage Kitchen & Meat Market
- Portland Adventist Hospital
- Steven Smith Teamaker
- Trader Joe’s
- Walmart
- WARN Industries
Contact
Dawn Bootz
Employment Connections Director
503-292-4964 x162
Dawn Bootz