- April 24, 2024
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WORC, or Work Oriented Rehabilitation Center, helps local adults with disabilities, learn skills to live an independent life.
When you ask Lynn Elder what she likes about her job in the ceramics shop, she signs the word “money.”
Though she also loves to paint and make things, Elder is proud of her ability to create a living as a disabled adult. Elder is one of 100 current participants that have found purpose and independence through the Work Oriented Rehabilitation Center.
Kelly Ferguson, CEO of WORC, said the organization offers many different services to help people with disabilities can independent skills.
“We provide them with opportunities for vocational education, adult education and contract service work,” Ferguson said.
WROC established in 1969, has programs for adults with disabilities to live, work and play in the center. For employment opportunities, WORC offers a print shop, a ceramics shop, a sewing center, a food service center and a wood shop.
“They create the stakes that you see surveyors, mappers and construction industry people use,” Ferguson said. “It’s really wonderful to watch. We also have a food service area here with a commercial kitchen so our participants can learn to use commercial grade appliances. There are a lot opportunities for employment.”
WORC also has a residential program where 15 individuals currently live. They also are opening a group home in Port Orange to house six individuals.
“Through all of those kinds of programs,” Ferguson said, “we are able to provide employment services, socialization and take care of all of the different needs that might be necessary.”
Since it’s inception, Ferguson said WORC has placed 5,000 in employment in the community and created over 5 million pieces through production.
“I’ve been in this community for over 20 years,” Ferguson said. “I’ve always known about this organization and always known that it provides a really important service. But I think being here everyday and seeing the difference that you make, it is really phenomenal.”
Ferguson, who was appointed CEO in April, said independence is the piece of the puzzle that holds WORC together.
“What I’ve learned is that adults with disabilities can do a tremendous number of things,” Ferguson said. “They take great pride in their work and their work product. The sole purpose of WORC is to give them the tools to live their own independent lives.”
