Supported Employment
Garten provides employment services and community support services in Salem, Oregon, helping individuals build skills, confidence, and meaningful connections through work. Our job help programs are designed to support people with disabilities as they explore employment opportunities, prepare for the workforce, and succeed in community jobs that match their strengths and goals.
Through personalized employment resources and hands-on support, we help individuals find and maintain jobs while contributing to a more inclusive local workforce. Garten focuses on long-term success by offering employment resources for people with disabilities that are person-centered, practical, and rooted in the community.
Our Employment Services
Garten offers employment services in Salem, Oregon, that are designed to help individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities build skills, gain independence, and succeed in meaningful community employment. Each service is tailored to meet individuals where they are, with a focus on long-term success and independence.
Job Coaching
Job coaching provides on-site support for individuals with developmental and or intellectual disabilities at their place of employment. A job coach helps individuals learn job tasks, understand expectations, and use accommodations that support success. Support may include modeling tasks, creating visual supports, and identifying strategies to improve efficiency and confidence. Job coaches do not perform the job for the individual. The goal is to gradually fade supports over time, allowing the individual to work as independently as possible.
Employment Path Community
Employment Path Community helps individuals build marketable skills needed for gainful employment in the community. Participants explore career interests through volunteering and internships while developing workplace skills through classes such as computer use, typing, and cashiering. Support may also include learning employment basics like clocking in and out and following a work schedule. This service focuses on skill development and job readiness and is distinct from on-site job coaching.
Summer Youth Program
The Summer Youth Program supports youth with disabilities in gaining real-world work experience during a six-week summer program. Participants are paired with a job coach who provides mentoring and guidance while helping youth develop workplace skills and independence. Local businesses partner with Garten to offer hands-on employment opportunities at their locations. These experiences often lead to continued employment, helping youth build confidence and a strong foundation for their future careers.
*Project Search and Benefits Counseling are unavailable at this time and are expected to resume later this year.
Why Employment Services Like These Matter
Meaningful employment creates more than a paycheck. For individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, the right support can open doors to independence, confidence, and full participation in the community.
Building Independence
Employment services focus on helping individuals gain the skills and confidence needed to work as independently as possible. With the right supports in place, individuals learn to problem solve, manage responsibilities, and take pride in their work.
Expanding Opportunity
Many people with disabilities face limited access to employment opportunities. These services create pathways to community jobs by offering training, hands-on experience, and support that align with each person’s strengths and interests.
Strengthening Community
Employment fosters meaningful relationships with coworkers, employers, and the broader community. Inclusive workplaces benefit everyone by promoting understanding, diversity, and shared success.
Creating Long-Term Success
Job readiness, skill development, and ongoing support help individuals not only find work but maintain employment over time. These services focus on sustainable outcomes that lead to growth, stability, and greater quality of life.
Connect with Us!
If you have questions about our services, please feel free to reach out to us!
Ricky Falardeau
Program Services Quality Manager
(503) 949-8328
Kati Arp
cie assistant manager
971-394-9585