UP Employment Initiative
Upward Professionals Employment Initiative
The UP Employment Initiative is a unique program that began as a partnership, with the Barbara Stone Foundation, Windsor Aughtry Hotel Group, and Hospitality America, to develop a world-class workforce initiative for the inclusive employment of people with disabilities. Since the start of the UP Employment Initiative, we have expanded into several businesses and industries throughout the Upstate.
Through UP, the Barbara Stone Foundation provides direct employment support services via three main avenues:
- Full-time Job Liaison who will work as a neutral party facilitator with participants on a one-on-one basis to increase their professional development skills and assist in seeking employment. Once a job candidate has received employment, the Job Liaison will maintain contact with the employer and the UP participant to assist with work related issues. The Job Liaison also facilitates a year-long Professional Cohort opportunity for individuals participating in the UP Employment Initiative and others in the disability community who are employed or seeking employment.
- The UP Initiative also offers a Pre-Employment Program (PEP). Pre-Employment Program is designed to provide individuals, who are not yet work-ready, with additional training and education that will support job readiness – increasing overall independence and success in future participation of the UP Employment Initiative Professional Cohort.
Learn More
To learn more about the initiative or if you are a job seeker or want to learn more about the initiative, please fill out our interest form.
About the UP Professional Cohort
In 2023, the UP Employment Initiative began a year-long “Professional Cohort” for individuals who are a part of the UP Employment Initiative, and anyone in the disability community, who wants to participate, provided they are interested in and committed to future employment. Participants of the Professional Cohort program will meet on a monthly basis to learn and discuss topics that focus on personal and professional development, leadership skills, professionalism, employment skills, and more, by utilizing real life examples as often as possible. Meetings may include icebreaker activities, team building activities, professional development-focused activities, sharing various resources, group discussions, and the opportunity to meet speakers and professionals in the community who can share their knowledge and experience. The next Professional Cohort will begin in January 2025.
If you are only interested in participating in the professional cohort, please contact Hadlee Hoeksema (UP Employment Job Liaison) or Lara Ceisel (Executive Director of the Barbara Stone Foundation), to seek information.
Hadlee Hoeksema
Job Liaison
Barbara Stone Foundation UP Employment Initiative
Phone: 864-214-5798
Lara Ceisel
Executive Director
Barbara Stone Foundation
Phone: 864-214-5798
Frequently Asked Questions
A: The UP Employment Initiative is a unique pilot program and partnership, with the Barbara Stone Foundation, Windsor Aughtry Hotel Group, and Hospitality America, aimed at developing a world-class workforce initiative for the inclusive employment of people with disabilities.
A: Hadlee Hoeksema is the Job Liaison for the UP Employment Initiative and is responsible for assisting all stakeholders who participate in the UP initiative, including employers, employees, and support partners (e.g., family members, case managers, etc.)
A: The job liaison is responsible for, but not limited to, the following:
- Maintaining regular communication (phone and face to face) with every employee, their family members or support system, and their work supervisor
- Organizing and facilitating monthly UP Professional Cohort meetings
- Working with UP participants (employees or cohort) on follow-up activities/discussions from the cohort
- Working with employees to identify and use their strengths in and out of the workplace
- Assisting with any job related concerns
Working with employees to create individualized professional and personal goals, specific to their employment and independence
A: As a participant of the UP Initiative, we expect the following:
- Consistent and open communication with the job liaison and work supervisor
- Attend as many UP Professional Cohort meetings throughout the year as possible
- Work with the job liaison to create realistic, attainable goals (both personal and professional)
- Be open to new ideas and suggestions
- Be respectful of your co-workers, peers, work supervisors, job liaison, and any other stakeholders
- Contact work supervisors, job liaison, and anyone applicable if unable to work scheduled shifts as soon as possible
- Contact job liaison if unable to attend monthly cohort meetings
- Be open to having fun, learning new things about yourself, growing your employment skills, and meeting new people!
A: The Job Liaison and the UP Initiative participant will work together to find the most suitable fit for employment. The Job Liaison will continue to provide resources and connections to other possible employment opportunities.