Shore Community Services Celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month with Recent Renovations

October marks the 80th Anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a month of celebration and awareness of those with disabilities in the workplace.

Shore Community Services is celebrating the opening of its newly renovated Shore Koenig Training Center, a vibrant and inclusive space that offers community day services and vocational training for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With 13,000 square feet of modernized, accessible programming space, the Center’s reimagined design meets the needs of participants through enrichment activities, employment readiness, and community integration within its “True North – Find Your Path” program.

The Koenig Center features a dedicated art room, computer lab, six group rooms, classroom space, a sensory room, on-site nursing services, and a welcoming, comfortable gathering space. These updates reflect Shore’s commitment to creating an environment where individuals can thrive both personally and professionally.

In addition to on-site activities, participants enjoy daily community experiences including recreational sports, cultural outings, music and dance therapy, and volunteerism, encouraging connection, self-expression, and independence.

The Center also proudly offers “Ready For Work,” a 12-week certificate program focused on essential soft skills for the workplace. Topics include communication, etiquette, money management, and navigating public transportation. Through the Supported Employment Program, participants explore career paths via volunteering, educational tours, and paid internships. The facility introduces hands-on training opportunities with new janitorial and café/retail internships, enhancing real-world job readiness.

Qualified job coaches support participants in securing meaningful employment and provide ongoing, individualized support to ensure long-term success.

“We’re thrilled to offer expanded programs and a modern space that reflects the dignity, goals, and talents of the people we serve,” said Erin Ryan, CEO of Shore Community Services. “This Center is more than a facility—it’s a hub for empowerment, connecting qualified individuals with inclusive employers to create a stronger, more equitable community.”

The new Center will serve up to 80 community members and is currently accepting new enrollments. Most participants qualify for services through Medicaid waivers, and private pay options are available on a sliding scale for both full-time and part-time schedules. Referrals to Supported Employment do not require Medicaid funding to be in place.

To learn more or enroll, contact Anni Braverman, Chief of Vocational Services, at abraverman@shoreservices.org or (847) 581-0200 ext. 233.