How WorkAbility Began
What started as an idea became a reality for UCP of Southern Arizona (UCPSA). UCPSA was receiving feedback from families speaking about the lack of employment opportunities for their kids of transition age. Vanessa Zuber, Director of Employment Services for UCPSA, sought to set up a volunteer position for a client that was on her caseload, at the UCPSA office, which would ultimately turn into a paid position for the individual. Between the position at the UCPSA and feedback from families wanting a bridge program from high school to adulthood, this became the catalyst for the future WorkAbility program.
Vanessa and the WorkAbility team kicked off the Starting Line for Employment and new intakes on January 20th 2014 – Martin Luther King holiday. We felt that this day was apropos!
Since 2014, we have assisted more than 100 members into post-secondary and competitive and integrated employment. We believe in the power of building partnerships and providing education within our community.
Presently, WorkAbility offers a variety of employment services and resources to the businesses, people with disabilities, high schools, and the community.
The Staff
Vanessa Zuber
Brande Kitzberger
Curriculum Services Program Manager
Julie Williams
Mark Mendibles
Community Outreach Coordinator
Carri Tanner
Employment Program Coordinator
Judene Kern
Employment Services Coordinator
Manuel Peters
Michelle Morgan
Employment Specialist
Ben Swanson
Employment Services Coordinator
Madeline Jarboe
Silvia Chavez
Employment Services Coordinator Yuma
Suzie McCarty
Employment Specialist