James

James began his career at PRIDE Industries in December 2021 as a job coach. He is instrumental in guiding clients through daily tasks for their jobs and helps them understand the tasks assigned to clients during their workdays. James provides support to a group of clients who are employed at Thunder Valley and acts as a liaison for the clients and the employer.

At PRIDE, James helps clients who would typically have difficulties securing a job interview or job are able to achieve those goals. He provides them with skills, training, confidence, and motivation to find a job. Through employment, the clients he serves can live more independent lives. One client made a big impact on James; the client struggled with getting a driver’s license due to the written portion of the test, but with coaching and study tips, James helped the client achieve his goal of receiving his license. Being able to drive helped the client with finding jobs because they had access to transportation.

At Thunder Valley, James and a team of people from PRIDE oversee 37 clients. Together, they work as a team to make sure each client is getting the support they need to succeed in their roles. As a valued and seasoned employee, James often provides insight and knowledge to the job coaches on his team and clients look to James as a person they can trust and rely on.

Direct support professionals (DSPs) like James are vital to the regional center system. James provides so much direct support to clients and without DSPs, clients wouldn’t have access to the services needed to improve their livelihoods.