Arc Works provides the main point of access to programs supporting the economic realities and aspirations of individuals with disabilities. The goal of these services is to help participants obtain and maintain employment, complete post-secondary education or occupational skills training and increase knowledge of financial stability concepts and behaviors. Long-term engagement in these services ultimately allows participants to earn, keep and grow assets while remaining employed, out of poverty and achieving self-sufficiency. 

Participants are required to take part in “bundled services” defined as selecting supports in at least two of the three service areas. Participants are also encouraged to receive “high intensity” services such as post-secondary education, occupational skills training, employment assistance or long-term job supports. Qualifying participants must have a documented disability, reside in Broward County and have a desire to be financially stable. Referrals are accepted through the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work program, Vocational Rehabilitation, community case managers, and by word of mouth. 

Arc Works is funded primarily by United Way of Broward County, Vocational Rehabilitation, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and private foundations.

Click Here to download the application for enrollment into services.

Career Advancement Services & Workplace Supports

Job seekers benefit from our innovative program, directed by qualified and experienced staff, designed to address their specific needs. Building upon the individual’s abilities and strengths, the overall goal is to increase independence and self-sufficiency in a job and in the community. Our staff has a “whatever it takes” approach when working with participants. We focus on:

• Employment Assistance – job readiness, job placement, and career advancement to enter or reenter the workforce or a new career, and find a job
• Computer lab and computer classes
• Short-term on-the-job coaching
• Long-term job supports
• “Skills to Pay the Bills: Mastering Soft Skills for Workplace Success” program – a collection of career development exercises and activities designed to help sharpen “soft” skills of workers, including those with disabilities

Workplace supports and job development activities are provided throughout the local community at various employment sites. The frequency, hours, and days of services are based upon the needs of the employee and funder’s service authorization guidelines.  Computer lab hours are Tuesdays 1-3 p.m., Thursdays 1-3 p.m., the first Saturday of every month (schedule an appointment), and can be accessed other days and hours with an appointment. Classes for career development and soft skills are offered Tuesdays-Thursdays, from 10 a.m.-noon. Classes are hosted at Arc Broward's WorkBar, 3415 N Dixie Highway Oakland Park FL 33334.

Post-Secondary Education

Arc Works provides training to increase knowledge and skills to help build a career.
 

• Certified post-secondary education through Arc Educates, if eligible. The education training program is offered at the campus in Sunrise.
• Instruction includes classroom and applied lab hours in a commercial kitchen.
• The course is held Monday-Friday, from 8 -3 p.m., for about 16 weeks.
• The cost of the culinary arts certificate program is $4,500. 
  • Note: We have funding options available to eligible candidates through Vocational Rehabilitation and other alternate funding sources.  There are other grants that we receive to pay for students’ tuition if they are otherwise unfunded and cannot afford to private pay.

Financial Fitness Classes

Financial coaching and education for low-income populations has emerged as a core feature and holds much promise as a way to help families achieve their financial goals. A series of financial literacy classes are available to participants to help build a foundation of self-sufficiency. 

Financial Fitness classes are offered Tuesdays-Thursdays, from 10 a.m.-noon. Classes are hosted at Arc Broward's WorkBar, 3415 N Dixie Highway Oakland Park FL 33334 Free tax preparation services are available.

New Location!

In January 2017, Arc Broward opened its new WorkBar which was relocated in November 2019 to 3415 N Dixie Highway Oakland Park FL 33334. This vibrant and innovative space gives our community members a place where they can pursue career goals, network with members of the business community, attend classes and seminars and receive help from professionally trained career and financial literacy specialists. The space also serves as a resource for workplace diversification training for businesses to learn how to leverage the skills of those with disabilities and ensure a smooth transition of Arc Broward members into the workforce.

Call us Today to set up an Appointment at (954) 746-9400.

Funders:

Foundation Support: