Creating workforce assets

Daxko CEO Dave Gray admits when he first met with Triumph Services, he harbored a bit of fear and uncertainty. He wasn’t sure whether the skill level of adults with disabilities would fit into the team at his computer software company.

A few years later, he sees the partnership as an eye-opening and overall good experience for Daxko.

 “I’ve been pleasantly surprised,” Gray said. “It really changes people’s perceptions about these adults. They have a lot to add.”

One of their employees, Jay Spradley, an office assistant, helps with morning setup and maintaining work spaces throughout the day. He also works on special projects for Daxko’s impact services such as calling members about their satisfaction with the company.

Another, Josh Swank, works with the software product team, analyzing data and doing other in-depth technical work. Gray said co-workers have seen a positive shift in Josh’s social abilities.

 “The four or five people that work close with Josh say he has been engaging in more conversations,” Gray said. “There has been a real dramatic shift.”

Spradley and Swank’s success is the result of the work of one local woman who saw a need in the community five years ago.

In 2007 Homewood resident Brooke Stephens and a colleague decided to extend the services of a UAB drop-in clinic for adults with disabilities that had recently closed. With that, Triumph was born.

 “The need is so great. We wanted to do something a little different,” Stephens said. “The UAB clinic was more of a reactive approach. Triumph equips them with the tools they need to actively solve their own problems.”

Triumph helps adults with disabilities strengthen social and development skills they need to maintain their professional and personal relationships.

To do so, the organization partners with several Homewood businesses to ensure their clients can find work.

“When we started in 2007, our philosophy was we could spend all our time training people with disabilities to be successful, but if we are not spending any time partnering with the community to embrace those individuals, then that effort is kind of futile,” Stephens said.

In addition to Daxko, Triumph’s 103 business partnerships include ones with Johnny’s Restaurant, Steel City Pops, The Creative Montessori School, Target, Gianmarco's, Embassy Suites, Edgewood Catering, Books-A-Million, Green Springs Animal Clinic, Seeds Coffee, Sam's Club and Aloft Hotel. Stephens emphasizes that the variety of these businesses reveals that adults with disabilities can possess diverse skill sets.

The organization’s model, “Live. Work. Play,” aims to make these adults happy in all aspects of their lives. Stephens said the active approach is crucial.

 “We go into the home and actually teach them what to do in certain situations,” Stephens said. “We go onto the work site and teach them how to get along with co-workers and their boss.”

Since opening, the service has helped 250 adults and has grown from a staff of two to a staff of 15. Triumph’s support team consists of life coaches, therapists and job coaches who meet weekly to develop strategies for each of their clients. The majority of those receiving services have been diagnosed with autism, and Stephens emphasizes that no two clients’ needs are the same.

 “We tweak the model around the person,” Stephens said. “Each person’s services looks different. It’s not a one-size-fits-all model at all.”

In 2012, Triumph was recognized as one of only three programs across the country that “provides effective employment for adults with autism.” The organization relies on grants and donations to stay in operation.

In 2010, the Autism Society of America issued a “Call To Action,” which revealed that services for adults with autism are rapidly dwindling. Stephens says while programs exist to help children with disabilities, there is little support available once those children graduate from high school. Triumph’s goal is to fill that gap.

“We are barely scratching the surface of this need,” Stephens said.

For more information about Triumph, visit triumphservices.org. On Nov. 7, the organization will host its annual fundraiser, Taste of Triumph, at Iron City. The event will include beer and wine tasting, music, a silent auction and live auction. Tickets are $45, and all proceeds will benefit Triumph.