We are in the business of helping people find work.  That seems pretty simple, right?  Straightforward?

No.  Not really.

You see, it has been our experiences that there are many folks out there who think they want to find work.  They believe they are ready to become part of the workforce, be an employee, make a contribution for a decent wage. But, the reality we have found is, although each individual is sincere in their beliefs, there are other giveaways that tell a different story.  Here is what I mean.

Last week we found a position for a client that, although it was in a different industry than the individual had previously worked within, their skill and expertise were a match.  The beginning wage was about $5 an hour less then what the client was making ($20/hr) when he left the workplace 4 years ago, but there was room for growth.  We were excited here in the office!  With an employment gap of four years, getting an opportunity for this interview was an accomplishment!

The client turned down the interview.  Not enough money and not what they wanted to do.

You might think that this is a rare occurrence .  Not so.  We have found that about 70% of the time, this is the case.  Except for folks who claim membership in one particular group.  Refugees. 

Now I know that we are treading into some sensitive areas with this observation.  There are many out there, even within the various state's departments of Vocational Rehabilitation, that feel refugees are "stealing" "real" American jobs. 

Here is what I know from experience   Every week we get contacted by employers who have entry level, minimum wage or so, positions that need candidates for placement.  These are the low end service jobs - janitorial, housekeeping, food service.  Those folks in our placement program who consistently say a thankful YES to these opportunities are those who have come through the State Department Refugee resettlement program.  YES.  Every time.  

If this makes you feel uneasy to read, I understand.  It makes me feel uneasy to write.  However, the reality is what I am reporting here, and not just a personal perspective.  The folks that come through this resettlement program have suffered through some unspeakable experiences.  Most have lived in camps for 5 or more years.  The women have not been afforded any education (because they are women), and yet... they make the best employees.  On time.  There every day.  Not late.  Low, if any, absenteeism.  Loyal.  Appreciative.  Grateful for that job washing floors or emptying the trash. They actually gleam when they are told they have the job. Many throw their arms around us.  

So think twice before voicing that complaint about refugees taking "American" jobs.  These folks are coming into the country the right way.  The way that my, and maybe your, grandparents or great-grandparents came into the US.  Almost all of them will in a few years be taking their vows as American citizens. Welcome them.  They are the best of what we used to be before affluence, apathy and entitlement became part of being American.  They are part of the next truly American generation.                                                          
                                                                         -De Regan, JPSCO  Founding Partner

Give Every Veteran Who Applies and Interview.....

What Makes America Great are it's people.  No, really.  Not the government, or the massive economy our country has developed over its national lifetime.  Nor the big corporations or the numerous religious organizations that exist and thrive in the Land of the Free.  It is our people that set America apart and above.

And our military personnel are the Best of Us.

Case in point.  Job Placement Specialists of Colorado received a referral to help a Veteran find the right job.  This amazing man has served his country over a decade, including 2 years in Afghanistan. His responsibilities were enormous. The bottom line he managed was over 20 million!  His leadership abilities have been both tested and proven!! This person is outstanding in every way...

But, what was this Officer's first email to us?  One in which he asks that we help one of the men who served under him....

..."he needs a job, too...I can wait".

Like I said...the BEST OF US.  Wouldn't you want to hire a person with such selfless loyalties?

So very many of these excellent and proven former active military personnel can't find a job, though...

Now, granted, part of the issue is the recent "great recession", and the slower than a snail recovery.  But quite bluntly, we need to do more.  Simply incorporating the verbal salutation of "thank you for your service" when in the company of our military personnel, both active and veteran, is a shallow exercise.  It may make us feel better after saying it, but that thanks, as is talk, is cheap.  Action...action NOW, is what our Veterans need.

Colorado employers...ARE YOU LISTENING?  Take the time to give every veteran who makes application for positions an interview.  And then HIRE them. You have reduced your risk by doing so. These persons have proven abilities under extreme stress.  No other candidates have what those who have served  us so well in times of  terrorism and war. Or as guardians to sustain our times of peace.  Take a moment to consider where they have served, what they have done, and how they can benefit your organization.  There is a wellspring of the best labor force in the world available to you.  You show you have your company's best interests in mind. Hire a Veteran!

Job Placement Specialists of Colorado is privileged and humbled to take part in the massive grass roots movement to provide for the needs of Veterans in this country.  Organizations like Project Sanctuary, Homes for Our Troops, and many others represent the American people doing for our military and their families what is needed.

If you know a Veteran who has a been injured, and not just physically, who needs help in finding employment, or who is "under-employed" - Contact Us.

What Makes America Great - Hire a Veteran!

What Makes America Great are it's people.  No, really.  Not the government, or the massive economy our country has developed over its national lifetime.  Nor the big corporations or the numerous religious organizations that exist and thrive in the Land of the Free.  It is our people that set America apart and above.

And our military personnel are the Best of Us.

Case in point.  Job Placement Specialists of Colorado received a referral to help a Veteran find the right job.  This amazing man has served his country over a decade, including 2 years in Afghanistan. His responsibilities were enormous. The bottom line he managed was over 20 million!  His leadership abilities have been both tested and proven!! This person is outstanding in every way...

But, what was this Officer's first email to us?  One in which he asks that we help one of the men who served under him....

..."he needs a job, too...I can wait".

Like I said...the BEST OF US.  Wouldn't you want to hire a person with such selfless loyalties?

So very many of these excellent and proven former active military personnel can't find a job, though...

Now, granted, part of the issue is the recent "great recession", and the slower than a snail recovery.  But quite bluntly, we need to do more.  Simply incorporating the verbal salutation of "thank you for your service" when in the company of our military personnel, both active and veteran, is a shallow exercise.  It may make us feel better after saying it, but that thanks, as is talk, is cheap.  Action...action NOW, is what our Veterans need.

Colorado employers...ARE YOU LISTENING?  Take the time to give every veteran who makes application for positions an interview.  And then HIRE them. You have reduced your risk by doing so. These persons have proven abilities under extreme stress.  No other candidates have what those who have served  us so well in times of  terrorism and war. Or as guardians to sustain our times of peace.  Take a moment to consider where they have served, what they have done, and how they can benefit your organization.  There is a wellspring of the best labor force in the world available to you.  You show you have your company's best interests in mind. Hire a Veteran!

Job Placement Specialists of Colorado is privileged and humbled to take part in the massive grass roots movement to provide for the needs of Veterans in this country.  Organizations like Project Sanctuary, Homes for Our Troops, and many others represent the American people doing for our military and their families what is needed.

If you know a Veteran who has a been injured, and not just physically, who needs help in finding employment, or who is "under-employed" - Contact Us.

Caring Enough to Care

     Today I went to church.  It was not in a steepled building with a cross above, or gold-roofed dome, or any of the other culturally recognizable architecture designated as "churchy".  This was a small office on the third floor of an agency that helps persons with disabilities.  There were four of us at church today.  A 21 year old man, his mother, the agency counselor and me.

     You see, for this 21 year old man, throughout his whole life, especially from kindergarten through his high school years, he was told he was mentally retarded.  He was placed in classes with others like him and he was good at being what others said he was.  He fulfilled the ideals of his own self-identity as it was told to him by those in positions of authority in school.

     Ah....but then he graduated and became part of the throngs of people looking for work, any kind of work, in order to make a life for himself.

     Now enter the agency counselor, who is the pastor, priest or rabbi of this church service. When she met with this 21 year old man she instantly realized that the previous school records she read about him did not match the person she was interviewing.  So, she ordered new intellect and cognitive evaluations.  And today we were gathered together to find out the results.

     When we sat down at the small round formica table we did not make the sign of the cross, or utter a prayer in unison.  And yet, the same feeling of reverence came over me as I watched the proceedings.  I lost myself in the moment, and somewhat like Charlie Brown around those muffled adults voices, the tones of muted trumpets "whaaaa whaaa".were all I seemed to hear. The truth is I knew the content of the report just by watching the 21 year old man's face. He was smiling the kind of smile that shone with light.  As he turned to his mother, she too smiled a mother's smile, punctuated with a tear.  Words that actually found their way through my overwhelming emotion were  "21 points higher than previously tested", "mental retardation no longer appropriate" and only "borderline" cognitive impairment.

     It has been a very long time since I stepped foot in a church.  But I do remember the feelings that come over me when I truly feel close to God, and that same feeling of hope, awe and gratefulness came over me today around that small formica table as I sat ...and watched.

     Many thanks to an agency counselor who cared enough to make today this 21 year old man's re-birth day.  I love going to church!

I love what I do.

Even Playing Field

What does that mean, even playing field?  For the majority of those living in the US it means having the same chance as the next person to get an education, heathcare, and a job.  Well, it seems that over the last few years even the most evenly played fields are sloped.  And what does that mean for folks who carry another burden of enculterated bias?

The discussion topic today is just that.  Bias relative to persons with physical or intellectual disabilities.  Is there someone in your family, your workplace, your class, your church, who has a disability?  What do you notice about the way they experience life?  Does the person fit into any biases you acquired growing up?  Or just the opposite?  How have they impacted you, personally?

This is a true interactive blog.  Please post.  Make your comments with careful consideration.  Humor is heartily welcome here. :)