LRCS #1 Area Agency for Paid Employment

Working at LRCS’ newest business -The Green Tangerine- Downtown Gifts, Laconia. Pictured left to right: Jennifer McCammon, Store Manager; employee Katheryn Sullivan; Cindy Sullivan and employee Jennifer Nelson.

The NH Developmental Services Quarterly Employment Report has just been released. At 46.1 percent, Lakes Region Community Services ranked number one among the state’s area agencies in the number of adults it supports that have paid employment. The statewide average is 36.6 percent. The U.S. Employment rate for people with disabilities in 2012 stood at 32.7 percent.

“The lack of employment for people who experience a disability is a statewide and national problem,” said LRCS Executive Director Christine Santaniello. “I am glad that we have a supportive community and dedicated staff committed to increasing opportunities for the individuals we support.”

Thanks to partnerships between Staff Works of LRCS and local employers large and small, opportunities for internships that provide skills and training and prepare individuals for paid employment are on the rise.

Staff Works of LRCS also operates several community-based small businesses that provide individuals with both on the job experience and a paycheck. These businesses include:  The Green Tangerine – Downtown Gifts in Laconia, Dawgs2Go, a seasonal hotdog cart located at the Happy Cow ice cream stand on Union Avenue in Laconia and Kil’n Time, an art and ceramics studio in Downtown Plymouth. The agency also operates The Readery in Plymouth and The ClothesLine Resale Boutique, with locations in Laconia and Plymouth.

As an employment first organization, LRCS believes every person deserves to experience the dignity and economic freedom that goes along with getting paid for a job well done. Staff Works of LRCS works within the community to assist and support individuals who experience a disability achieve their personal and career goals. Employment allows people to increase their income, live more independently and choose activities that expand their life experiences. LRCS’ primary focus of supports within the community is to assist individuals in achieving their career goals by providing personalized job development services.

If you are an employer who would like to find out more about partnering with LRCS to promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities, please call 524-8811 and ask to speak to a job developer. The entire text of the report can be found here.