Vocational Services

At Ariel, we believe meaningful work can change lives. Work can bring a paycheck, a routine, coworkers who become friends, and a sense of belonging in the community. That’s why our Vocational Services help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) build real-world job skills and find work they can be proud of.

We provide a supportive space where Members (the adults we serve) can gain confidence, explore careers, learn new skills, and take steps toward long-term success. It starts with getting to know each person: what they enjoy, what they’re good at, and what kind of work fits the life they want. Whether someone is preparing for their first job, learning how to apply, or ready to join the local workforce, we’re here every step of the way.

Thinking about finding work for yourself? Start with You Belong Here, a page written just for you.

We do more than teach job skills—we help people discover their potential.

Our hands-on programs—Whaz Up Dawg, Charley’s Cookies, Perdita’s Coffee, and the Work Crew in Grand Junction—let Members earn money while learning in a safe, encouraging environment. For many, they’re a stepping stone: from soft skills, to paid shifts with staff right there, to a job in the community. Every person’s path looks different, and each Member helps decide where theirs leads. For one Member who loves animals, that meant starting out bathing dogs at a pet spa and working his way up to his dream job as a groomer. Wherever a Member’s path leads, at whatever pace works best, we walk alongside them with the tools and support they need to succeed.

Because for us, getting the job is the beginning. Thriving once you’re there is the point.

We offer a wide range of Vocational Services tailored to meet the needs of each person. These include:

• Career exploration | Assistance in identifying career interests and exploring options that align with individual strengths and passions, which may include personality assessments or informational interviews.
• Skill building | Hands-on training to improve workplace skills, such as customer service, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, plus job-specific tasks like cash register management and food handling.
• Resume and interview preparation | Support with creating professional resumes, practicing interview techniques, and finding ways to stand out to employers.
• Job placement support | Help finding employment opportunities that match individual needs and goals, including guidance on applications and introductions to potential employers.
• Internal job programs | Opportunities to learn basic employment skills through Ariel-based initiatives like Whaz Up Dawg, Charley’s Cookies, Perdita’s Coffee, and the Work Crew in Grand Junction (also known as group supported employment).
• Community employment | Members move into jobs with local employers after mastering foundational skills, with job coaching as needed. The state calls this competitive integrated employment (CIE), and on service plans it may appear as supported employment.
• Job coaching and post-employment support | Personalized coaching sessions to build confidence and help Members succeed on the job, including setting goals, managing responsibilities, and handling workplace challenges. Coaching hours vary from person to person. Mentoring after employment helps Members keep thriving and growing in their roles.
• Volunteer opportunities | Members can gain experience by contributing at sites like food banks, churches, animal shelters, and other nonprofits. For many, it’s a way to build structure, a schedule, and new skills before moving into paid work.

With guidance from experienced supervisors, employees learn essential vocational skills in a safe, supportive environment. On a given shift, that might mean running the register, taking inventory, restocking supplies, or working the grill. Along the way, they serve great food and build long-term success in the community.

Charley’s Cookies, a program of Ariel, provides adults with I/DD hands-on training in food safety, commercial baking, customer service, and money management—in a supportive environment that prepares them for community employment. The program produces oven-fresh, made-to-order cookies using quality ingredients, hand-scooped with care and packaged specifically for each customer.

Perdita’s Coffee, one of Ariel’s social enterprises, offers inclusive employment opportunities for adults with I/DD, as well as parents and teens facing employment barriers. Employees build job skills and confidence while serving high-quality, locally sourced coffee and teas in a welcoming café environment.

The Ariel Work Crew provides dependable outdoor and cleanup services—mowing, trimming, raking, weeding, pet cleanup, and hauling—performed by adults with I/DD. The program offers meaningful work experience while building job skills, confidence, and independence through quality service in the community.

Job coaches help Members find and keep jobs with local employers, from stores and restaurants to hospitals. Coaching continues after the hire, and some Members have stayed with the same employer for years.

Our Vocational Services work hand-in-hand with other helpful programs, which together create a well-rounded, empowering experience. Options include:

Most Vocational Services are based at our Grand Junction headquarters. Contact your regional HQ, and we’ll talk through options based on your location and needs.

Most Members access Vocational Services through Medicaid’s Developmental Disabilities (DD) or Supported Living Services (SLS) waiver. Your local case management agency (CMA) determines eligibility. You can find yours in the state’s case management agency directory.

For jobs in the community, Colorado’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) may also play a part, especially early on. We’ll coordinate with your case manager and DVR counselor so the pieces fit together. Services are generally covered through Medicaid, DVR, insurance, or other funding sources, so there’s typically no cost to Members.

Ready to start working toward a job? Once a referral comes in, we’ll review what support each person needs. Next, we’ll set up a meet and greet with the Member and the people important to them. From there, we complete intake and hold a person-centered meeting to plan around each person’s interests and goals. You’re welcome to ask about visiting a program, too.