TANGO Member Showcase - November 2024
Kuhn Employment Opportunities, Inc.
Kuhn Employment Opportunities, Inc. is a Meriden-based 501(c)3 non-profit that specializes in supporting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and/or behavioral health disabilities to obtain and maintain community-based employment, and/or to participate in meaningful day support programs.
The agency has three service locations – two in Meriden and one in Middletown – and has been providing vocational rehabilitation/employment services throughout Central Connecticut since 1962. Kuhn staff provide career planning, job seeking skills training, job development, on and off the job support, and soft skills training to support individuals achieve their employment goals and to become Valued, Independent and Proud members of the community.
Kuhn’s mission is to develop quality person-centered services through meaningful employment opportunities that provide people with disabilities, the skills and support necessary to become independent, gain self-esteem and be productive and valued members of the community.
Kuhn Employment Opportunities, Inc. provides an array of services including:
- Independent Supported Employment offers the support of an Employment Specialist to identify an appropriate job match, learn job-seeking skills and to be placed in a job with an area employer.
- Customized employment is a process for achieving competitive integrated employment or self-employment through a relationship between employee and employer that is personalized to meet the needs of both. It is a strategy that benefits many people, including people with disabilities who might not have found success through other employment strategies.
- The Group Supported Employment program offers participants community-based employment with onsite support of a Job Coach. Work crews consist of four to eight participants that perform job duties at the employers’ job site with continuous support from a Job Coach.
- Community Experience Program supports individuals to learn appropriate social skills and behaviors through a variety of community activities, as well as in-house projects (i.e., arts & crafts). Community activities are planned based on the individual participants’ expressed interests. Behavior programs and positive reinforcement are utilized to assist participants to move toward work readiness.
- The Opportunities for Older Adults program is designed for individuals with developmental disabilities who are ready for retirement. Individuals participating in this program have the opportunity to participate in meaningful leisure and recreational activities.
- Kuhn was recognized by the Midstate Chamber of Commerce with the 2023 Large Business Leadership Award.
- Nearly 500 adults with disabilities received employment and day support services from Kuhn in fiscal year 2024.
- Over the past year, Kuhn increased its social media presence, reactivated a quarterly newsletter for stakeholders, and revamped the agency’s website.
How has TANGO Helped your Organization:
TANGO’s annual conference has been a great way to engage Kuhn staff in professional development to learn about best practices and emerging trends, as well as, networking with vendors and nonprofits. In addition to the TANGO partners offer a valuable resource specific to the agency’s business needs.
Contact Us Today!
Kuhn Employment Opportunities, Inc.
1630 North Colony Road
Meriden, CT 06450
(203) 235-2583
For more information visit our website at www.Kuhngroup.org