“Staff work with each individual woman to help her realize her interests and find a suitable craft to pursue as her vocational experience.”
–Colleen Powers, Day Program Director
Riverbrook women work with their families, staff, advocate and the Day Program Director to identify interesting job opportunities, assess individual skills, and plot a path to career satisfaction.
RIVERBROOK ON MAIN
LOCATED IN THE HEART of the Stockbridge community, Riverbrook on Main is a vocational setting where women with disabilities can engage in supportive employment and artisan crafting. Riverbrook women work alongside volunteers and interns to produce custom orders of stone coasters for local businesses. The team operates vending machines at this location as a source of income.
VOCATIONAL TRAINING
AS A PART of an integral training program, Riverbrook women have the opportunity to try their hand at any worksites we have available, allowing them to explore job settings to which they may have never been exposed. Participants can learn a wide array of vocational skills crucial to achieving the 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, child 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 on-site job coach. Riverbrook works with employers to discover, create, or carve out 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. Riverbrook artists are often featured at art and photography shows around the county, where they are able to sell their artwork. The Coaster Club produces stone beverage coasters customized to order for local businesses.
Is your family ready for Riverbrook? Learn More →
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
- Muddy Brook Elementary School
- Berkshire Humane Society/Purradise Cat Shelter
- Kripalu Yoga Center
- Norman Rockwell Museum
- First Congregational Church of Stockbridge
- Monument Mountain Greenhouse
- Stockbridge Council on Aging
- Elder Services of Berkshire County
- Lee Bank
- Austen Riggs Center
- Canyon Ranch
- Coaster Club