NW Works is a CARF accredited agency which takes a comprehensive approach to working with our disabled clientele, helping each individual to reach their fullest potential. Each trainee is given an individualized assessment and participates in the development of an Individualized Service Plan so that they can identify and target their employment goals. These goals are monitored and reviewed on a daily basis, updated quarterly, and are reviewed and revised on a yearly basis.

NW Works provides training and employment to over 180 individuals per year, both on site and in the community. Our workers come to us with a diverse ethnic and socioeconomic background.  Most trainees are extremely low-income residents of the area, and have one or more long-term disabilities, including mental retardation, developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and/or physical limitations and impairments. 

The majority of our clients come to us with limited or no previous work experience or have significant gaps in their employment history. Through a unique combination of support services, each designed to offer individuals the opportunity to learn functional skills, we help each individual to identify their strengths, weaknesses, and long term goals.

Our trainees learn appropriate behaviors, attitudes, social and work related skills to help them reach their targeted goals.  They gather in a work environment that creates a sense of self-worth while helping to remove their dependency on governmental subsidies to survive. The staff is experienced and dedicated in providing ongoing supervision and training to ensure the delivery of high-quality, outcome oriented services.

In addition to the services listed above, NW Works also provides a full service job development department designed to help clients identify their interests and potential to seek community-based employment, either via enclave opportunities, or for independent work with an external employer. These services are available to trainees who are transitioning out of NW Works, or to individuals who are entering the NW Works program in order to enhance their chances of successfully obtaining community employment.  Trainees work directly with a job developer who will help them find employment that matches their goals, aptitudes, and salary needs. Job coaching services follow the client for as long as necessary, with the heaviest concentration of collaboration during the worker’s first month(s) on the job.

Depending on specific needs and qualifications, clients are generally funded through Medicaid, the Department of Rehabilitation, the Community Services Board, the NW Works Endowment Fund, the United Way, and/or the City of Winchester and Frederick County.

Entrance Criteria:

• Individuals who are at least 18 years old (or be in a school-to-work transition program) and have documentation of  a long term disability;
• Individuals who express an interest in working, and who, through the initial evaluation period, are determined can benefit from our services;
• Individuals who are in stable medical condition and are independent in self-care; and

• All clients must have some form of funding, either through one of the sources listed above, or by private pay.

Contact Vera Pistel or Troy Hawkins to learn more about our program services:

Vera Pistel, Director of Client Services           Troy Hawkins, Asst. Director of C.S.
Phone: 540-667-0809 x18                                   Phone: 540-667-0809 x 31
Email: vpistel@nwworks.com                               Email: thawkins@nwworks.com