Empowering Employment: The WINNERs Program Facilitates Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities
WINNERs stands for Worker Initiated Networks for New Employment Relationships. We aim to provide employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities and eliminate the stigma that people with disabilities cannot work—this is not true! People with disabilities can work and want to work. Through the WINNERs program, the Stevens Center can provide support that results in a win-win relationship between employers and job seekers.
Our services follow four principles!
- Actively Seeking: Job Seekers are active in their job search
- They Are Making The Decision: Choices and decisions about work and support are based on the job seeker’s preferences, skills, and experience.
- Employment Is The Goal: Focus is on helping participants get employed, earn at least minimum wage and seeing growth within the company.
- Follow-Along Supports Are Continuous: Individualized support to maintain employment will continue if services are needed.
How to be eligible for WINNERs program services!
To be eligible for the WINNERs program, you need to contact the nearest Employment Independent for People with Disabilities (EIPD) office. We cannot provide services until you go through the EIPD offices. After you visit the EIPD office, they will provide a list of services in your area that may assist you. Once you choose your services, they will send a referral to the employment specialist for the service of your choice. The specialist will accept the referral and contact you to help you achieve employment.
If you would like to learn more about the process of going through EIPD, here is the link to the EIPD homepage: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/eipd
Meet our Employment Specialist
Hello! My name is Conner Fix. I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC, and now live in Sanford, NC. I attended Western Carolina University, where I earned my bachelor’s in psychology and sociology. I participated in a few research projects focused on the field of Industrial-Organizational Psychology. One word that many people use to describe me is “friendly.” I always show up to work with a big smile on my face and am ready to work!
If you would like more information, contact The Stevens Center at 919-776-4048.