The Wheels4Work (W4W) program increases opportunities for employment for our clients with intellectual disabilities by providing employment readiness skills and coordinating transportation to and from job sites.
W4W started in 2019 through a generous grant from Bank of America and the Helen & Murray Main Foundation, along with support from the Williamsburg Community Foundation.
Wheels4Work
How Does It Work?
Wheels4Work is a collaborative partnership between The Arc, local employers, and Access Williamsburg. The Arc works with its partner employers to identify suitable positions for well-qualified Arc members. Once members are hired to a position, they have the benefit of utilizing Access Williamsburg to schedule of a driver to take them to and from work.
What are the Benefits?
Wheels4Work is mutually beneficial for Arc clients and for our local employers. Many of our clients have the skills and motivation to work but are not able to secure a job as they lack reliable transportation. By providing transportation, W4W gives our clients the opportunity to contribute to their community while exercising their full potential. As individuals with disabilities are under or unemployed at high rates across every age group and level of education, finding ways to reduce barriers to employment for our neighbors with disabilities benefits the entire community.
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For our employer partners, Wheels4Work represents an opportunity to work with our exceptional Arc clients. The program is particularly useful for filling entry-level positions that traditionally experience significant turnover. By filling these positions with Arc clients, employers enjoy the benefit of hiring a reliable and stable employee.
What's next for W4W?
This is an exciting new program for The Arc and one that continues to grow and evolve. We are working to obtain future funding to expand our day program, Arc of Abilities, and to enhance our vocational and life skills training programs.
How can I get involved?
We continue to build partnerships with businesses ready to work with our members with special abilities. In addition, we are always looking for well-qualified drivers to support the transportation component of W4W. For more information, please call 757-229-3535.