The Occupational Development Center (ODC) announced that it has received a $10,000 capacity building grant from the Lancaster County Community Foundation (LCCF). These grants support projects that build an organization's capacity to fulfill its mission toward sustainability and success.

This grant will make it possible for the ODC to realize its longtime goal of purchasing high-quality video equipment and software for the purpose of helping its participants acquire competitive and integrated employment within the community.

The ODC provides high-quality vocational training and employment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). It seeks to transition participants to supported employment within the community. Helping these individuals gain skills, earn a paycheck, and find employment sets them on a path toward greater independence.

In addition to creating video resumes, the ODC also plans on using the grant to create an ongoing series of employment scenario training videos for prospective employers. These videos will help local businesses understand what it means to hire an individual with I/DD.

While the ODC trains individuals to make them more employable, the scenario training videos will be intended to help prospective employers create and sustain disability-friendly workplaces. This two-pronged approach is intended to set both ODC participants and employers up for lasting success.

To learn more, contact Ken Mueller at 717-397-4269, ext. 16, or kenm@odcenter.org or visit http://www.odcenter.org.