The You Can Work series continues to spotlight the achievements of
jobseekers with disabilities who found their path to a better future with help
from Social Security’s Ticket to Work program. Our new Success Story features Jason Faust. As a teen who struggled with mental illness, he could not have imagined that his future would hold satisfying employment, greater independence and pride. He just needed to find the right support to get there.
Jason’s
first stop was Nebraska’s VR agency, where he learned he was eligible
to receive free employment services through Ticket to Work. With help
from VR, he found employment and looked forward to working in a field
that he loved. But Jason worried about his benefits, and what would
happen after his VR services stopped.
A
cooperative arrangement between Nebraska’s VR agency and a local
Employment Network would allow Jason to receive the ongoing support he
needed to stay employed and increase his earnings over time. This
arrangement, known as Partnership Plus, gives Ticket program
participants access to individualized services that can help them
succeed after they are on the job.
When
Jason’s case closed, he decided to work with Easter Seals, an EN that
has a Partnership Plus agreement with Nebraska VR. They picked up the
torch and provided benefits counseling. They helped him stay focused on
meeting his career goals, and provided guidance when he needed it. Jason says it was nice to have someone in his corner to help him
advance his career.
Today, Jason
works as a Community Support Professional, helping adults with developmental
disabilities. Jason puts his personal experience to work
developing independent living programs for others. He says he has
found a career that is meant for him. Because of his own experience Jason is
easily able to connect with his clients and help them work towards their
goals. “I’ve been through the system as a ‘consumer’ and I know what it’s
like…” Jason is glad to have an occupation which allows him to give back
the kind of support that made a difference in his life. He earns enough money to own a home, and he no longer
relies on Social Security disability benefits. “It feels good to be
independent,” he says, and he’s grateful for the help he received along the
way.
"I feel
like I'm paying things forward. I had a support system that helped me, and
I like providing support for others. I guess you never know what your dream job
is going to be until you find it, and I really found mine! Ticket to Work
worked for me."
Read Jason's full story at www.choosework.net/success.
With
support from Ticket to Work, Nebraska VR and Easter Seals, Jason found
his path to a better future. Find yours. Visit choosework.net for more inspiring stories, and learn how Social Security’s Ticket to Work program can help you.
To learn more about the Ticket to Work
program, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/work,
email
us at support@chooseworkttw.net
or call 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY/TDD).
| 
