BETHEL, CT—Ability Beyond, one of the largest providers of disability services in the state, is thrilled to announce a $30,000 grant from the Fairfield County Community Foundation. This significant grant directly benefits our community by funding our innovative Pathways to Excellence employee training program.

Through the Pathways program, Ability Beyond direct care employees can train to become certified Direct Support Professionals and go on to earn advanced certifications in specialty areas, including clinical care and wellness, behavior support, and mentoring and supervision. Upon completion of each certification, graduates earn a stipend while gaining knowledge and skills to support them in advancing into new specialty or management roles. The curriculum was developed in partnership with the University of Minnesota.

“We are excited that the Fairfield County Community Foundation recognizes the value of this critical professional development and, through this grant, is helping us offer advancement opportunities for our front-line caregivers,” said Jane Davis, Ability Beyond’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are committed to offering opportunities for our team members to grow their careers while also having a direct and positive impact on others.”

The program not only improves the care for those served but has also positively impacted employee retention at a time when the direct care service industry is facing staffing shortages year after year. This allows Ability Beyond to have knowledgeable, engaged, and highly skilled long-term direct support team members. Since the program’s implementation, Ability Beyond’s turnover rate has been reduced dramatically to less than 18 percent—far less than the 50 percent industry national average.