Ability Beyond will soon help hundreds of job seekers in recovery from substance use find and maintain employment across Connecticut, thanks to competitive grants from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). 

The move more than doubles the number of people the agency serves through its Individual Placement and Support (IPS) programs and marks the first time Ability Beyond will provide the service in the New Haven region to people in recovery. The agency opened an office in New Haven last year that further expanded its presence in the region and the availability of employment services to people with disabilities. 

“We are thrilled to expand employment support in more than 60% of the state, and we expect to be providing services before the new year,” said Glenna Rains, who manages the IPS programs at Ability Beyond. “Work is an integral and constructive part of recovery for many people, yet individualized, high-quality career development resources are limited compared to the need we see in the community.”

She added: “Work can provide both financial stability and a sense of purpose to people during  challenging times, so they are motivated to get up in the morning and enjoy social connection.”

IPS is an evidence-based supported employment model for people with mental illness and/or addiction challenges. It helps people apply for jobs and thrive in the workplace through intensive, ongoing support that is fully integrated with their treatment team. 

Ability Beyond will increase its IPS service capacity by 336 spots across the following regions: 

• Region 1: The Stamford-Bridgeport Corridor
• Region 2: Greater New Haven
• Region 5: The Danbury, Waterbury, and Torrington Corridor 

This is the first time Ability Beyond will provide DMHAS-funded career services in Region 2, including 38 communities that span from Ansonia and New Haven to Old Saybrook. Ability Beyond already provides IPS services to 279 people, with a focus on mental health clients, in Waterbury, Danbury, and Norwalk-Stamford. 

Rains said the majority of program referrals will come directly from community-based providers of clinical recovery services that are also funded by DHMAS. Employment specialists at Ability Beyond work closely with these organizations to provide consistent, high-quality, interdisciplinary care.

“Among the Connecticut jobseekers we already serve in partnership with DHMAS, we have seen great results,” Rains said. “That program is focused on mental health more broadly, but in reality, nearly half of those job seekers are also in some stage of recovery from substance use. This work isn’t new to us. We know how to do it, and we do it well. We are excited to help more people make positive changes in their lives.”

Adults with a substance use disability who are interested in receiving employment supports may inquire about Ability Beyond’s IPS programs by contacting Information and Referral at (203) 826-3072 or admissions@abilitybeyond.org.