In the same way a car needs all of its many parts working in a synchronized fashion to go anywhere, so too does a community need all its citizens doing their part in order to function best.

While many of us are privileged with the opportunity to select a career path that both allows us to utilize our talents and piques our interest; adults with developmental disabilities can sometimes struggle to find their place.

Through Southwest Enterprises, a part of SOCAG, adults with developmental disabilities have the opportunity to change that. Our purpose is to assist individuals in obtaining community-integrated occupations, and our goal is to place employees in the job of their choice.

At Southwest Enterprises, disabled citizens receive vocational training services aimed at preparing them to confidently enter the workforce. These services include job coaching, supported employment, community-integrated employment, community-integrated activities such as volunteer work, habilitation training services, and a sheltered workshop. There is no fee for individuals who qualify for DHS/DDSD services.

The job coaching and supported employment services are geared to aid in securing a job within the community and help maintain employment with the necessary support. Some of these positions include janitorial work and grounds maintenance contracts with local businesses. The habilitation services work to provide training for a number of necessary life skills.

Lemon Drop Gifts

Located in our workshop building at 2208 Enterprise Dr. in Altus, Lemon Drop Gifts is a recent initiative by Southwest Enterprises. The store, which maintains the same hours as the workshop (although other shopping times are available by appointment), sells a variety of items made during the workshop activities.

The product lines began with custom jewelry and miniature cotton bales, but as demand grew so did the inventory. Lemon Drop Gifts now features mesh wreaths, tote bags, lap/baby quilts, holiday decorations, and many other unique wood and fabric items. New items are constantly being added as inspiration strikes, so there’s always something new to check out!

Qualifications

In order to qualify for Southwest Enterprises services, a person must be 18 years of age or older, and be out of school. The individual must be determined by the Social Security Administration to have a disability with a diagnosis of Intellectual Disability (ID). The individual must be approved by DDSD.

Required documents: Application, a medical exam within the past year, medical and dental history IQ test/psychological evaluation, social and vocational history, placement history and data from prior programs.

Contact us today if you or a loved one qualifies and wants to take the next step towards a satisfying and fulfilling career!

Call

(580) 477-0701 TTY Relay 711