Success Story

Matthew Adamson was introduced to IPS (Individual Placement & Support) through his Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.

Tevin Haugen had just moved to Iowa when he began working with IVRS Counselor James Faulkner. Tevin indicated that high school had not been a good experience for him but learning knife-making sparked an interest in welding. Counselor Faulkner said, “I wanted to keep that flame going. My biggest worry was that the flame would go out.”

David Kafar started working with Counselor Brandi Fitch in January 2021. He initially stated an interest in working as a delivery driver or doing janitorial or maintenance work.

JD Bumgarner was recognized with a Personal Achievement Award at the 2022 APSE Conference in October.

JD’s Creations is a business that grew with help from the Iowa Self-Employment Program.

Noah, a job candidate, graduated from high school and, through the assistance of the Iowa Self-Employment (ISE) program, has opened a small engine repair business. The shop performs repairs, maintenance, performance upgrades, parts, and accessories for automotive, ATV, and side-by-sides.

Amber had a clear career path in mind when she graduated.

“I had always wanted to be a designer since I was younger, and after I graduated I found that there were no web design jobs in this area for an Associates Level graduate.”

That didn’t stop Amber, who chose to go back to college to continue her education in 2012.

Bridgid Ruden was enjoying a career as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner before she suffered a traumatic brain injury after a bicycle accident in 2008. When she woke from a coma, she had no memory of her previous life and began a long journey to relearn language and life skills.

Brandon Knopf was able to turn his unique hobby into an Iowa business after facing a life-changing disability.

Brandon came to the Iowa Self-Employment (ISE) Program at Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS) in 2019 and began to explore the possibility of starting a business making ducks calls.

See the article about how IVRS and the Self-Employment Program helped open business in the Waterloo paper. It talked about how Blaine opened his own food truck and how he has been successful with the support of IVRS, Kochelle Weber-Ricklefs (Iowa Self-Employment Program) and IVRS Counselor Rhonda Draisey.

Read Full Courier Article