“Staff work with each individual woman to help her realize her interests and desires and find a suitable craft to pursue as her vocational experience.”
–Colleen Powers, Day Program Director
RIVERBROOK ON MAIN
LOCATED IN THE HEART of the Stockbridge community, Riverbrook on Main is an exceptional vocational setting where women with disabilities engage in supportive employment. Riverbrook women work alongside volunteers and interns to produce custom orders of stone coasters for local businesses. The ROM team also offers a number of services, including collating and document shredding.
VOCATIONAL TRAINING
AS A PART of a robust training program, Riverbrook women have the opportunity to try their hand at any work site we have available, allowing them to explore job settings that they might not have ever been exposed to. Participants can learn a wide array of vocational skills crucial to achieving the ultimate goal of career independence. Related vocational training is provided in computer skills, money management, check writing, banking and purchasing. Skills associated with finding and sustaining employment are also taught, including how to apply for a job, dress for employment and navigate relationships with employers and colleagues.
EMPLOYMENT & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
RIVERBROOK HELPS women with intellectual disabilities find meaningful employment. Riverbrook women have chosen positions in housekeeping, laundry, clerical work, food services, animal care or gardening at one of our employment sites nestled throughout the county. Some work independently while others are assisted at the worksite. Riverbrook women are supported in developing the soft skills they need to succeed in the work force. Punctuality, communication and workplace etiquette are just some of those skills. On the job training specific to the skills related to the actual job are also taught by a worksite instructor. Riverbrook works with employers to discover or create positions that fit the needs of each individual.
RIVERBROOK’S EMPHASIS on individual skills and meaningful work has lead several women to create their own businesses. One is a Braille transcriber for local restaurant menus. A group of women have chosen to pool their efforts together to run Exceptionally Yours, a contracted home and office cleaning service. Most recently the Coaster Club has begun production of stone beverage coasters customized to order for local businesses. Riverbrook artists are often featured at art and photography shows around the county, where they are able to sell their artwork.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
RIVERBROOK WOMEN find that volunteering enhances not only their lives and that of those they serve; it also sets a great foundation for networking and further paid employment opportunities. Volunteerism is a great way for participants who are unsure of their career paths to explore fields that interest them. Riverbrook women volunteer their time delivering Meals on Wheels and providing companionship to area seniors in need. They serve food and beverage while providing entertainment to elders at Kimball Farms. They enjoy walking dogs and cat-sitting for neighbors. They assist with dusting bookshelves at Bushnell-Sage, Lee and Stockbridge Libraries. All of these volunteer positions serve a vocational purpose and allow Riverbrook women to give back to a community which has enthusiastically included them.
Where Riverbrook Women Work & Volunteer
- Red Lion Inn
- Marian Helpers Center
- Community Access to the Arts
- Exceptionally Yours Cleaning Service
- Boho Exchange
- Muddy Brook Elementary School
- Purradise Cat Shelter
- Kripalu Yoga Center
- Norman Rockwell Museum
- First Congregational Church of Stockbridge
- Berkshire Country Day School