5 Houston Organizations Helping People Find Jobs

People want jobs. Meaningful, stable employment, regardless of what may be holding them back.

An opportunity to work, to earn a living, keep an occupied mind, and most importantly – gain independence. While finding a job is harder for everyone than it was 20 years ago, it’s even harder for those with disabilities and those returning from fighting for our freedoms in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For disabilities, the unemployment rate is more than double (12.9%) than the current unemployment rate for everyone else. For Veterans, the unemployment rate for Post-9/11 Vets is at 9%. Both numbers are unacceptable.

That should change.

There are plenty of benefits for hiring those with disabilities. This includes better attendance and less turnover. Employees with disabilities see a workplace that is more accommodating to their needs, boosting overall morale and even company loyalty from that employee.

Furthermore, there are some terrible misconceptions that hiring someone with a disability will cost more than someone without – when it’s simply not true.  In fact many companies, such as 3M, Pepsi, and Verizon saw a better bottom line because they hired those with disabilities. 

While Veterans gain amazing leadership and practical skills working in the military, these assets don’t transfer well back into the civilian world.

If you have experience with any of these organizations, please share with Jason’s Connection your story by clicking on the review links below.

It will help someone else looking for resources.

Please note, that not all places will have jobs available for every person – and skillset should be considered when applying to a job you may find.

For those with disabilities, we also believe that not every employer needs to know you have a disability until you are hired. A great way to achieve this is through online job fairs and phone interviews.

If you have the skills and can complete the job, then your employer would benefit from hiring and accommodating you.

The Center

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This organization helps those with disabilities in several ways – not just vocational, but day and residential services, too. They work with larger companies like TJ Maxx and Kroger, but also have 3 in house staffing agencies under one umbrella – Momentum Industries, Cullen Caners, and Lawn and Landscaping Services.  This organization can help place those with disabilities and different needs with all over Harris, Montgomery, and Fort Bend counties and is committed to helping each employee grow their skills for better jobs down the line.

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Lone Star Veterans Association

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This is a great organization with a comprehensive website full of resources for various vet needs. It’s important to Lone Star that returning vets can get back to regular life. That also means finding a job that matches the talents and skills a veteran can offer. Lone Star Veterans Association works with their “veterans to write professional resumes and to guide them to the best careers, based on their background. We also host a networking event every month, Warrior For Life, and an online career database, VetsList.” (Lone Star Website)
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Career and Recovery Resources, Inc

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This organization doesn’t just focus on those with disabilities, but anyone trying to overcome different challenges barriers. Career and Recovery aims at helping those that want to find stable employment, but just need a little help at doing so. “We provide a wide array of services to a diverse population challenged by barriers such as older age, illiteracy, disabilities, homelessness, lack of skills, substance abuse, and at-risk behavior. Our Employment Programs help individuals prepare for entry into the job market, identify employment opportunities, and learn job retention techniques.” (Career and Recovery Website)

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The Village – Employment Advantage

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This agency is a great comprehensive service provider in Houston. They cover day services, respite care, education, residential services, and employment training and support. Through their Supported Employment program, they assist “individuals with disabilities in working toward their goal of obtaining meaningful, competitive employment.  Services include personalized assessment of skills and talents, resume’ development, interview preparation, and a commitment to help you find employment that matches your preferences.” (Employment Advantage Website)

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VAST Academy

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The VAST Academy isn’t as much as an agency focused on actually placing people into jobs as the previous options. However, the organization is a great alternative for those seeking to gain post-secondary skills to enter the workforce with certifications. “Opportunities include vocational certificates, pre-college and freshman success “bridge” courses, career readiness credentials, internships and employment assistance offered through an inclusive, relevant and affordable avenue.”(VAST Website) Just because some people have different abilities than the rest of us, doesn’t mean they can’t achieve the job of their dreams.

Have an experience with VAST Academy? We want to hear about it! Leave a Review!

Lee Snow of Jason’s Connection was a contributor of this post.