Customized Employment Services offers people with developmental disabilities the opportunity to get hired in meaningful work that is tailored to their needs. This pilot project is sponsored by the Ministry of Housing and Social Development and Community Living BC.

All CES services are offered on an individual basis, and the goal of the project is to connect individuals with paid employment.

VIVRS is offering Customized Employment in Nanaimo, Parksville and Port Alberni, starting August 1st, 2008.

The goal of the project is to work with youth and others who have not had the opportunity to access this kind of service in the past.

All individuals served will:

• Be eligible to receive CLBC services
• Live in Nanaimo, Parksville/ Qualicum or Port Alberni, and surrounding rural areas
• Be able to attend regularly scheduled meetings with the VIVRS Employment Specialist
• Routinely manage any pre-existing health conditions
• Demonstrate the skills needed to manage daily life, with support.

The cornerstones of customized employment are:

• All services are offered on an individual basis and are tailored to fit each job seeker's needs
• The job seeker is the decision-maker
• The job seeker will invite and include the people who matter most to them to participate in CES
• Customized Employment Services will adapt to the job seeker's needs and desires, rather than the other way around.

Call 1-888-753-4225 (250-753-4225 in Nanaimo) for more information.