Client Stories

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Client Stories

There’s nothing like the joy of seeing a parent realize their child can be successful in the community. It’s not uncommon for parents to be surprised at how independent and capable their child is once he or she is living on their own.

With Candeo by their side, people learn to live and work independently in their community by acquiring new life skills, discovering self-worth, and embracing life-long learning. Candeo also works with client families to better prepare them to support their child as they take on the big changes that come with learning to live self-sufficiently.

Candeo’s incredible staff works closely with clients and their families to encourage transition to independence while establishing fulfilling, adult-to-adult relationships with parents, siblings, and relatives.

Learn more by watching our video - A Day in the Life of a Candeo Client
Micah at Work

Micah

Employment Services Client 
When Micah came back to Candeo for employment services he had been working for many years at a major retail store but was looking for a job that would be a better fit for him. Through using the Discovery process the manager working with Micah was able to help him define what a better fit meant for Micah—a place with consistent supervision where he would not be pulled from the tasks he was doing to do something else. Being a proud graduate of Southeast Polk High School, Micah’s number one choice was to find a job working in the school district. With assistance from his Employment Specialist, Micah has recently become a member of the Southeast Polk School district building maintenance team. Micah is working at his childhood elementary school where there are many teachers and staff who remember when he was a student there. Micah is earning a livable wage while he contributes to the wellbeing of the community he loves. He is able to work evening shifts after school from his own checklist with only one supervisor.
Kaiden Riding Horse
Kaiden at Register

Kaiden

Employment Services Client
Kaiden was referred to Candeo’s employment services through Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services for assistance in finding his first job. During the discovery process we learned that Kaiden is a very compassionate, motivated person who has overcome many challenges in his life. Kaiden has broad interests that include art, music, animals, sports and advocacy work. Kaiden’s challenges to employment include physical challenges that cause daily pain, restricted lifting and movement, as well as a developmental disability and mental health concerns.
 
Through the discovery process it became clear that the ideal employment situation for Kaiden would include a strong team atmosphere with a chance for Kaiden’s personality to shine through in his job tasks. At Get Air Trampoline Park Kaiden found a manager who is supportive and has some of the same values and interests as Kaiden. Kaiden started greeting customers on busy weekend days for a three-hour shift and through coaching support on the job and outside of work hours, has increased his role to become a valued member of the team.   
 
“With the help of Carolyn H. I was successfully able to get my first job and maintain the job with [a Candeo] job coach’s assistance, John. I have enjoyed working at my new job since last December. Since the time I was hired I have been offered more and more positions with the success of the support of John and Carolyn. I am now a cashier, party host, and lifeguard. During working there, I have set up a “Special Time For You” program for people on the autism spectrum and who need a low sensory atmosphere such as the music lowered and less customers at the time. I have taken pride in working that shift and the other shifts I work. Through working at my job, I have learned a lot about myself that I didn’t think I was able to handle and cope with. I have found out that I’ve become very good at working with kids and helping defuse conflicts with the parents and kids. With this job I have become more and more interested in going back to school to do something in social work or mental/physical diagnosis advocate/educator. Just working with people has shown me I have a deeper level of understanding people with physical and mental health issues due to my own battles with chronic physical and mental health.”
Are you a person who is passionate about Candeo’s mission to inspire their clients to achieve their personal goals? Do you like to make a difference and give back?

Candeo supports individuals with a variety of disabilities to live, work, and play in their own community. With the help of people who support independence, growth, community, and individualism, Candeo is able to continue its work in helping others grow and create a life that makes sense to them.
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