Ulster-Greene ARC’s new “Discovery First” Career Exploration Center, located at the Pecora Center, offers individuals support on every step of the career ladder. The “Discovery First” process is a person-centered approach to career exploration, and multiple services have been put into place to build trainees’ competence and confidence. Career Advancement Training begins the process with career interest inventories and skills assessments to determine potential employment fields. Classes are then offered to develop work skillsets, including social skills, professionalism, and job-specific needs such as cash register operation.

Job procurement skills are developed with practice in job searches, resume-and-letter-writing, and interviewing. Placement Services provide employment options to individuals interested in working in the community. Job Coaches are available to practice mock interviews and, later, to support progress on-the-job. Job coaching empowers an individual to share his or her concerns – and success! – and offers expert consulting on the nuances of employment. For those who need it, Contracted Employment provides transportation to and from the worksite and a Job Coach on site at all times. An enclave of several UGARC workers is employed at the same local company, providing a large measure of comfort in the familiarity of peers.

Microenterprises, small business start-ups, are an important new focus of the Center. The goal to make individuals independent is fully realized for those with a dream of owning their own business, because the Center determines what supports are necessary for each budding entrepreneur to achieve success. Several individuals may decide to work together, pooling their talents; the Center will then identify the need for bookkeepers, website developers, or other specialists to fill in the gaps. Social Enterprise educates individuals on the power of social media and its use in career development. Classes include basic computer skills, Internet searches, and professional utilization of Facebook and LinkedIn.