Career Development & Education
Employment
Employment is a major step in becoming reintegrated into society. 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 transitional employment, part-time, entry level jobs that the members work with the support of a job coach. The job is owned and employees are screened by Breakthrough. 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, ensuring that the employer doesn't have to worry about absenteeism.
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 support and services we offer. They are fully able to fulfill all job requirements on their own.
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 transitional employers include:
T J Maxx
Pizza Hut
Dillons
Botanica
Candle Club
INTRUST Bank
Marchello's Restaurant
McAllister's Deli
YMCA
Mental Health Association
House of Hope
Flint Hills Therapeutic Riding Center
Servicemaster
We could not have a successful employment program without their support!
Education
Members can complete high school diplomas or work towards earning their GED at Breakthrough. Members and staff work together to accomplish these important educational milestones. Individualized learning programs, computerized learning opportunities and motivated teachers make learning innovative and exciting. Its energy comes from students who are preparing themselves for success in the workplace and higher education.
