ATE  -  Alternative to Employment

Alvord Taylor’s mission statement; “Assisting people with disabilities to live quality lives in their community”, is brought to life with our Alternative to Employment program.  We don’t just say the words; we help our clients live them.

The ATE program at Alvord Taylor is new but already serves 8 participants.  Almost daily I am approached by an individual with disabilities or their representative   inquiring about how they can join our program.  It is a place where goals are met and lives enriched.  Dreams are being realized and allowed to flourish. 

Alvord Taylor’s ATE Program is truly a person centered program where each individual makes their own choices. Staff is available to guide and facilitate those choices.

Most of our ATE members volunteer within the community.  They volunteer in pet stores, offices, surplus stores, schools and community clubs.

Through ATE we are showing our community that everyone is somebody, every person has something to offer our community.

Much of what happens within ATE happens beyond our walls and in our community but we have a lot going on inside too!  One of our clients throws pottery by using a special helmet, which he personally designed to accomplish this task, others paint, create jewelry, and make paper from shredded paper.  There is also crocheting, karaoke, games and just hanging out with friends. Many of our clients are becoming entrepreneurs; selling their creations and making more dreams come true!

Inside these walls there are dreams that have only begun to be dreamed.   My goal is to be able to say; “ATE was there to give just enough support, just enough guidance for those dreams to become reality”.

Carla Hamilton, A.T. Employment Manager