Day AND Employment Services
We all need a reason to get up in the morning. At Vodec, we help give purpose to the days of those we serve. Learn about our Cares, Elm, Pre-vocational, Supported Employment, Adult Transition and Student Employment Services.
Cares
Cares – offered in Omaha, Council Bluffs and Urbandale – is all about exploration. Our Cares staff plans and supervises a diverse schedule of events and activities. Each is designed to provide experiences that expose our consumers to different aspects of community life. Visit our “Events” tab at the top of this page for more information. The goal of Cares is to help our consumers make choices that will lead to a healthy and active lifestyle.
Hours of Operation
M-F from 7:30am to 3:30pm
Elm
Elm is offered at our Omaha development center. It was founded in 2003 in response to a group of parents seeking a safe place for their children to go during the day – one that would allow them to work on their habilitation goals while encouraging them to connect with others and explore the world that begins right outside their own front doors. Elm is staffed by veteran employees – individuals with compassion, integrity, leadership, creativity, accountability, patience and kindness.
Hours of Operation
Nebraska
M-F from 7:30am to 3:30pm
Employment Training Services
Employment Training Services
Sometimes, you have to walk before you can run. People with disabilities often struggle with getting – and keeping – a job in the traditional workforce, despite all they have to offer. Employment Services – offered at our Omaha development center – allows our consumers to practice basic job skills in a safe and welcoming environment while earning a paycheck. With coaching from our staff, they perform light assembly, packaging and other tasks for our business customers. For some consumers, it’s an important first step toward future community employment. For others, it’s a way to increase self confidence and participation in life outside their homes.
Hours of Operation
M-F from 8:00 to 3:00
Supported Employment
At VODEC, we believe everyone deserves the chance to share their skills in the workplace. Our Supported Employment program in Omaha connects consumers with competitive, meaningful jobs that match their individual strengths, goals, and interests.
How It Works
- Personalized Approach: We start by assessing each person; their abilities, passions, and the environments where they can thrive.
- Employer Partnerships: We work with local businesses committed to inclusive workplaces and the value our consumers bring.
- Ongoing Support: From job coaching to problem-solving, our team supports each consumer until they feel confident and independent.
Why it Matters
Every success story shows the same truth: when people are given the chance to work in roles that reflect who they are, they don’t just succeed, they thrive. At VODEC, our Supported Employment program ensures those opportunities are always within reach.
Services for Schools
Adult Transition Program (ATP)
Our Adult Transition Program (ATP) is offered at our Council Bluffs Development Center. ATP is designed to meet the needs of students with mild or moderate intellectual disabilities between the ages of 18 and 21. The program helps them develop the skills necessary for daily living, including practical money management, how to get and keep a job, and preparing nutritious meals, among others. ATP is offered year-round Monday through Friday in Council Bluffs and during the school year Monday through Friday in Omaha. We are proud to work with students from several Iowa school districts.
Work Experience Programs for Students (WEP)
We offer an on-site work experience program for students who need constant support and supervision in the controlled setting of our development centers. An on-site work experience supports students in special education as they practice transferable work habits and routines in a highly structured work environment.
The School and Work Experience Program (SWEP)
Offered to students at risk academically, SWEP is an innovative initiative led by VODEC, designed to help students with specific disabilities or other barriers remain in school by earning graduation credits through a individualized course of study and work-focused environment. Vodec coordinates each work experience with businesses. Vodec employs a teacher qualified in Special Education who coordinates with the school districts, monitors students progress, and
Youth Services Program
Youth Services Program
Families managing the dual responsibilities of work and caring for special needs teenagers can find relief in our Youth Services Program. Our program operates during winter and spring breaks, as well as non-school days (excluding holidays), providing parents with peace of mind.
Our Youth Services Program is situated at the Vodec Development Center located on 612 South Main Street in Council Bluffs, Iowa. It operates Monday through Friday from 8 am to 3 pm, catering to youngsters aged 13 to 19 with special needs. Here, they can engage in a safe and nurturing environment, participate in various enrichment programs, build friendships and enjoy leisure activities.
Enrollment is straightforward. Just reach out to Daryn Richardson at 712-328-2638 or send an email to daryn@vodec.org, to learn more about our application process and daily rates. Furthermore, we are glad to inform you that Childcare Assistance (CCA) is available, and we are approved by the Iowa Department of Human Services. To learn more about CCA, please contact the Iowa Centralized Childcare Assistance Unit by calling 866-448-4605.