Mission Moment: Advocacy, Independence, and Opportunity

NW Works team member, Caitie, is shown vacuuming a hallway at her place of employment.

Advocacy is key for the individuals we serve, and as NW Works has grown over the last 55 years, and particularly recently, we have placed emphasis on moving from access which began in 1970, to advocacy, which we see becoming increasingly important for those we serve. Recently, one of the individuals we serve, Caitie, was able to develop her advocacy skills when met with a challenge turned opportunity at her place of employment. Over the course of her career, Caitie has learned what does and doesn’t work for her with the support of a job coach. Caitie requires a specific job to fit her preferences, and with the support of NW Works, was able to find several options. As Caitie began her new job, she was excited about the opportunities that lay before her, but with opportunities also come adjustments.

Caitie works as a laundry attendant performing tasks including laundry, mopping, sweeping, and cleaning visitation rooms and bathrooms during her four-hour shift. Through Caitie’s advocacy for herself and with her job coach’s support, Caitie has now been introduced to new tasks and responsibilities in a different location than the one she began her employment at. Caitie’s role has expanded from laundry and cleaning tasks to being an additional steward of safety and security for the area she works in, which supports residents with Alzheimer's. Caitie’s awareness of safety, security, and medical incidents have substantially increased, and Caitie has become a resource for residents.

As Caitie develops in her role, she is not only growing in her independence and advocacy, but she also can socialize with and advocate for residents on the Alzheimer’s floor. Caitie has supported residents through fetching staff members on their behalf, ensuring residents’ laundry is cleaned and properly accounted for, and being aware of residents who have sensitivities to laundry detergent or other cleaning products.

Caitie and her employer used the natural supports of a job coach and discussion to come up with solutions that fit both Caitie’s preferences, and aligned with her employer’s expectations.  Through Caitie’s advocacy for herself and with her job coach’s support, Caitie has now been introduced to new tasks and increased responsibilities that better fit her styles and preferences for employment. Not only did Caitie’s roles and responsibilities increase, but so did her awareness of safety and security.