Career Development
Employment
"I love my [transitional employment] job. My boss has been a big help.
It makes me feel good, I'm more happy in general, and I really
like being there."
-Tom, member since 1994
Employment is a major step in becoming reintegrated into society, which is why it is one of the primary programs of clubhouse. Through job training, transitional and supported employment and eventually individual employment, our members are able to "work through their mental illness."
A majority of our members participate in our Transitional Employment program, which are part-time, entry level and time-limited jobs that the members work with the support of job coaches, which are staff of Breakthrough Club. The job coach learns the job in advance then trains the chosen employees on the job, until all parties agree the employee is ready to work alone. If a member is unable to come to work, the job coach will cover the shift free of charge, ensuring that the employer doesn't have to worry about absenteeism. Also, because of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, up to 40% of the first $6,000 of wages paid to our members can be claimed on participating organizations' taxes.
Supported employment maintains a relationship with the employer, but the members are hired by the employer and the position is the member's own. As the name implies, Breakthrough steps back and provides support for the member. Such support includes benefit counseling, aiding communication with the employer and other employees and negotiating for additional job skill training as needed.
Independent employment is the goal of the process. Eventually, our members reach a point where they no longer need the employment support and services we offer. They are fully able to fulfill all job requirements on their own, but the clubhouse remains a home base where they can get advice and support as needed.
Since 2003, Breakthrough members have earned a combined income of 1 million dollars and that amount continues to grow as we recruit more local businesses to employ our members. Employment success is an area Breakthrough has taken great pride in, being referred to as the "gold standard" in the Wichita area in employment support for persons who have mental illness.
Our current and past transitional employers include:
Marchello’s
Carraba’s
Botanica
Intrust Bank
Dillon’s - 13th & Woodlawn
Dillon’s – Central & West
Dillon’s – 13th & Tyler
Dillon’s – Cenral & Rock
Dillon’s – Harry & Webb
Service Master
Saturn of Wichita – East and West Locations
Dollar General - K15 & Pawnee
Dollar General – North Broadway
The Hyatt
Spaghetti Warehouse
Candle Club
LaTour – Cessna
Olive Tree
Collegiate School
Hancock Fabrics – East and West Locations
Hometown Buffet
Independent School
Pizza Hut – Central & Rock
Pizza Hut – Towne East
SRS
Taco Tico
TJ Maxx
Dr. Winter DDS
Ameripride
Chili’s
B.Dalton Bookstore
Bamboo Grove Headstart
Center City
Center Industries
Cero’s Candies
Cinema’s East
ComCare CSS
Exertech East & West
1st Presbyterian Church
Galichia Hospital
Goodwill
Gossen Livingston
Hollywood Video- 5 locations
Kansas Humane Society
Interfaith Ministries
Newman University
Petroleum Club
Rowdy Joes
South County Headstart
Wall Seed
Wal-Mart
Wichita State University Physical Plant
House of Hope
McCallister’s
YMCA
Wichita Baseball (Wrangler’s)
Marriot
Bank IV
Sheplers
Kreonite Photography Equipment
Melange Jewlery
St. Bart’s Headstart
Martin Luther King Headstart
Mental Health Association
Toys R US
CI CI’s Pizza
Salvation Army
Central Christian Academy
On The Border
Conley Neff Lumber
We could not have a successful employment program without their support!
Request information about how you can become an employer for Breakthrough Club
