We know that employers who have not previously employed a person with disabilities have questions about how the process will work in hiring and managing that resource. We can assure you that many employers have found great success in employing a person with disabilities – from having a dedicated team member filling entry-level positions to helping solve business problems with unique ideas. While you will have questions specific to your business and job openings, we wanted to share five commonly asked questions and answers. Don’t let lack of knowledge or understanding hold you back from looking at a great resource pool to fill your job needs.

Many Crossroads of Western Iowa (CWI) consumers are gainfully employed members of the community. They have a desire to utilize their skills to earn spending money, contribute to the community and gain more independence. How do we help individuals with disabilities prepare for, earn and maintain employment? What do consumers gain from employment? How do employers benefit from hiring consumers?

We begin today, October 8, with the first in a series of THROWBACK THURSDAY publications, looking back with fondness over the past 40 YEARS of Crossroads of Western Iowa, and how Crossroads has grown to what we are today, from our inspirational beginnings as Monona Services in Onawa, Iowa. Great success and a solemn commitment to our consumers and their families, has led to the Crossroads of Western Iowa we know today . . . empowering individuals to actively seek out opportunities for an enhanced quality of life!

In his free time, Aaron loves to watch football and basketball. He’s a Chicago fan at heart, rooting for the Bears and Bulls during their respective seasons of play. When he’s not watching sports, he’s working; and after work, Aaron likes to relax because sometimes work just makes him tired.

As a case manager, we know your goal is to quickly and efficiently find the right care services for each individual you serve. We want to help facilitate your goal by being a resource you can contact to discuss general inquiries, unique situations and specific questions about our services. Below we provide a few quick reference items regarding admissions at Crossroads of Western Iowa. For more information, call our Missouri Valley office at 712-642-4114 and we’ll connect you with the right person.

Residential living is just one of the three core services we offer to adults with disabilities. It provides an opportunity for that individual to live independently, supported by trained, knowledgeable and compassionate staff. 

We currently have 32 active homes in western Iowa. To meet the needs of additional consumers in our area, we have several new homes opening this year.

• New housing units opened in Sioux City and Missouri Valley in August 
• New openings in Council Bluffs, Missouri Valley and Sioux City will occur this fall

Making the step into independent living is a unique journey for every person. Think back to your first adventure outside of the home you grew up in. Feelings likely ranged from excited anticipation to nervous consternation. Would you remember to do chores in a timely manner? Would you be able to do minor repairs around the home? The same feelings and process are similar for adults with disabilities who transition to independent living. The difference is the support they need to receive in order to succeed and thrive with this new independence.

We know that in order for a parent or guardian to find the right services for their loved one, questions about funding have to be answered early in the process. The answers to funding questions vary based on a wide variety of circumstances. The person who will give you the most thorough, accurate answer based on your family’s circumstance is a case manager.

At Crossroads of Western Iowa, every day we empower individuals with intellectual and mental disabilities to work toward their goals and dreams. We spend time helping these individuals work on life skills, manage independent living and find employment opportunities. What people may not realize is the impact these individuals have on their local communities.

Imagine chatting with your friends about what you did over the weekend or listening to music on a road trip. Sometimes it’s the small pleasures in life that bring a big smile to our faces. It’s easy to take for granted the opportunity to socialize with others. That’s why community integration is a key focus at Crossroads of Western Iowa.

As a parent or guardian, it can be challenging to find the right integration opportunities for your loved one. You may be thinking:

• Will my loved one be safe in this environment?
• Will my loved one have the opportunity to work on life skills development?
• Will my loved one have fun?
• Will my loved one get the attention needed to benefit from this program?
• Why is this better than me taking my loved one to a painting class or the zoo or bowling?