Coleman Grant

TAP, in partnership with The Hope Institute, was awarded funds from the Coleman Foundation to administer Intersect for Ability, a network comprised of the Coleman Foundation, The Hope Institute for Children and Families and 10 other developmental disability (DD) agencies in the greater Chicago area.

 Intersect for Ability has three main goals:

• Employment: Create more employment opportunities for adults with developmental disabilties so they can achieve satisfaction from having a job of their own.
• Staff Training and Retention: Lower turnover rates by implementing two programs (staff/client focus and community focus). Staff/Client focus offeres initiatives to the staff, such as support through recognition of the difficulties and joys that accompany working with adults with DDs. Community focus offers staff initiatives to connect with other workers in other agencies. This will instill a sense of community and boost morale.
• Life-Stage Transitions: Provide services to assist major life transitions in adults with DD and their families, whether graduating from high school or beginning a new job.