05/27/2026
Before joining the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) program through Pivot, J attempted to maintain employment at several different businesses. J entered the workforce with minimal natural supports while actively facing housing instability. He felt like his employment experiences were demanding and stressful, with employers giving little consideration to external factors, such as living in a shelter, that affected his performance.
With the support of Pivot, J transitioned into a Tiny Home and successfully graduated from the Pivot Preserves program, building his confidence and strengthening his employment skills. That’s when our IPS employment specialists stepped in. By building relationships with local businesses and working one-on-one with clients, our employment specialist found a job for J that aligned with his interests and experience.
Having an advocate with an established relationship with his employer proved crucial to J’s development as an employee. His supervisor collaborated with J’s employment specialist to address concerns with an understanding of his situation, allowing him to learn with grace while continuing to strengthen his skills. This approach was a game-changer for J, helping him build confidence and establish a stable routine.
By working directly with employers, our specialists support clients’ growth while maintaining a trauma-informed understanding of the challenges that can arise from housing instability.
Currently, J has maintained his job for over a year and is on track to graduate with his high school diploma this May. He stated, "I feel like IPS has supported me by helping me find a job and keeping it. IPS has helped me prepare for the future."
Pivot remains dedicated to strengthening our local workforce by providing advocacy, fostering connections with local businesses, and removing common barriers to employment that young people facing homelessness face.
Are you interested in partnering with Pivot through the Individual Placement and Support program? Contact Victoria Guice at [email protected].
