Services 

Time For Change (TFC) is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit agency that provide a variety of services, which cater to at-risk transitional-aged youth and young adults. We provide vocational rehabilitation to anyone who wants to further their career to something they have always dreamed of becoming. We also apply the Individual Placement Model to any client we may come into contact with who needs client-centered services for career obtainment. TFC is not only about the disabled population, but about the individuals who want to conquer what they want to do in life. These individuals may be vulnerable to a disability by being exposed to trauma, amotivation or just unfortunate circumstances.

Intake/ Assessment

The intake and assessment service is given in the care of the home or some type of convenient space for the individual. This process with TFC, involves completion of an Individual Work Plan (IWP), Career Profile and an initial referral to Washington DC's resources to support TFC's services.   In the Individual Work Plan (IWP), individuals get to identify their dream job. With collaboration with TFC staff, an individual is able to identify therapeutic small steps to get to their ultimate employment goal. 

Job Development 

After intake, assessment and Team coordination, TFC begins to build relationships with employers on many different levels to reduce the barriers of employment for individuals with disabilities.  TFC will collaborate with managers of local businesses to build long lasting trusting relationships with them, which will result in potential job leads and placements for individuals with or without disabilities.  TFC has more than 250 employer contacts in the Washington DC area. Job development is not only limited to the business relationships. When providing this service, TFC is unique, staff at TFC are trained to survey their surroundings with the prospective needs in place. This is called a situationally assessing the environment. TFC CEO has specialized knowledge in the biomedical aspects of disability as it pertains to work. It is impeccable that the necessary training is trickled down to any staff of ours to ensure TFC’s uniqueness in the community. While conducting these situational assessments, clients can be present, as they are more than welcome to be apart of the process. This makes for a good solid placement. Job Development is also a service TFC provides upon collaborating in establishing resumes, cover letters, and or completing job applications with or without the client. 
Benefits Counseling
TFC provides education in regards to our client's benefits. TFC acknowledges we work with the most vulnerable populations who may collect SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and Medicare or even Housing Vouchers, we provide professional Benefits Counseling to ensure our clients are fully aware of how work may or may not effect these benefits. TFC understands the fear and we are here to say you fear because of unknown. Let Us help! Go to Department of Rehabilitation Services agency in DC, MD, or VA  and ask for Time For Change so we may give you education around working and maintaining some, if not all of your benefits. Trust us we want you to maximize your income. This is the goal! 

Team Coordination
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TFC provides a unique set of services called, Team Coordination.  TFC collaborates with other providers for intensive wraparound services on behalf of the youth and or adults. We know each person is different, as is their abilities or disabilities, if any, which means that each persons services will be client-centered. We value and set high bars for the client-centered approach. The Team Coordination service sheds light on these different needs and supports for each person individually. Team Coordination ensures us that medications, medical concerns, housing stability and/or other factors, which could potentially effect work readiness and/or motivation, are addressed effectively through this service. It is envisioned that we will meet with other providers on a regular basis for each client to ensure all needs are being met from a holistic approach. We know that one domain of life effects the success rate of placement and or retention for the long-term goals of the clients that we serve. Thus, meetings with other providers will be part of a big scope of practice for TFC.     

Work Adjustment Training 


TFC acknowledges the need for services and wait for entry into the program. TFC does give the wait-list something to do productive while waiting for individual services with the TFC staff. Work Adjustment training is all about work readiness. TFC will meet clients on the wait-list in local schools, libraries and community centers to hold a group sessions about different work-readiness strategies and or skills clients can work on while they wait to get them prepared for work. Topics will include but are not limited to: Medication Management, Time Management, Coping skills, Role of Employee, Chain of command, physical health etc. In this service, clients will ultimately get to know themselves in such a way that will prepare them to actively participate in situational assessing when they do get the opportunity to work with TFC upon becoming active in the Individual Placement services. 

Work Readiness Seminar/ Cohorts 
Time For Change periodically provides Work Readiness Cohorts to DDS participants entitled;
Time For Change Work Readiness I (TFCWR1)
Work Readiness I ( twice a week for a month)
Time For Change Work Readiness II (TFCWRII)
Work Readiness II (Twice a week for a month)
Self-Advocacy (Accept, Manage and Transcend w/ disabilities) (once a week for 8 Weeks/ twice a week for a month)
Pre-college Preparedness (once a week for 8 weeks/twice a week for a month)
Please ask you RSA counselor to refer you to Time For Change! 
Job Placement Services 
TFC 's ultimate goal is to place individuals in their specific chosen field. TFC wants to ensure that client, be redirected in the right direction of their choice. Therefore, if career field requires education obtainment first, TFC will follow up with supporting the client through the necessary steps  prior to searching for employment. But wait! TFC does not stop there... We will support you in your orientation and training for the first 90 days of your employment placement. Let us help you understand your new job! Let us speak with supervisor about any problems that arise. TFC staff are specialized staff, therefore job coaching is a service that is readily available for individuals whom have a documented disability. 
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*Different reduced rates are rendered for those who do not qualify for services funded by the Department of Disability Services and are committed to establishing an ongoing therapeutic relationship with Tonya Ridley LPC CRC.  Contact Tonya Ridley for details.  She also provides coupons occasionally on her site and at upcoming events. 

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