STARability Foundation is excited to announce it will be hosting its third Reverse Job Fair for its participants and prospective vocational partners on Tuesday, May 20. Offered bi-annually by STARability’s Career Services department, the special event provides an opportunity for local businesses to engage with a select group of career-focused STARs, showcasing their experience, skills and abilities. The Reverse Job Fair is open to the public and will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. in Struthers Hall at Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples, one of STARability’s current vocational partners. Interested businesses can learn more and RSVP at STARability.org/upcoming-events, and are welcome to attend any time during the event.

“The Reverse Job Fair is a powerful opportunity to shift the hiring conversation,” said Halley Kretschmer, director of career services at STARability Foundation. “Our goal is not only to help job seekers practice their networking and professional skills in a comfortable, encouraging environment, but also to invite employers to explore alternative recruitment strategies and learn more about inclusive hiring practices.”

Businesses will have the chance to connect with highly qualified candidates, learn about the variety of ways to provide supported employment and job training, obtain resource materials on best practices for inclusive employment, and share job requirements and application tips.

Connor + Gaskins, an inclusive employer and vocational partner with STARability, said “Connor + Gaskins is honored to be part of an event that supports our commitment to finding skilled candidates who align with our company’s culture and long-term goals. The Reverse Job Fair provides an excellent opportunity to connect with a diverse pool of talented individuals, making the hiring process more efficient and effective.”

A significant number of people with disabilities report that the interview process is a major barrier to getting hired. The Reverse Job Fair aims to help level the playing field by removing that barrier. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2023, only 22.5% of people with disabilities were employed, compared to 65% of those without disabilities. To help close this gap, STARability Foundation takes a dual-customer approach, supporting both job seekers and the businesses committed to inclusive hiring.

“Inclusive employers are the foundation of our career services program and essential in supporting our mission,” said Karen Govern, CEO of STARability Foundation. “We are proud to collaborate with these amazing businesses and organizations to create innovative and valuable opportunities for our STARs to grow, learn and become contributing members of the community. Our successful matches are made possible through life-transforming opportunities created by vocational partners that truly believe in our STARs.”

Currently, STARability partners with a variety of organizations for employment and training opportunities, including Air Bar Blowouts & Extensions, Baker Senior Center Naples, BCB Homes, Cosmos Ristorante & Pizzeria, Driftwood Garden Center, Germain Lincoln and Toyota of Naples, Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON), Greater Naples Officials Association, Kretch’s Restaurant, Macy’s, Outback Steakhouse, Paragon Pavilion Theater, Publix, STAR Studio & Artisan Gifts, Stofft Cooney Architects, Winfield Street Coffee and YMCA Collier.

As an approved provider for the Florida Department of Education Vocational Rehabilitation, STARability provides comprehensive services such as a skill and interest inventory, interview preparation, work-based learning experiences, and onsite job coaching. Career Services are available to enrolled participants and Vocational Rehabilitation clients seeking competitive integrated employment. STARability connects individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to supportive, inclusive employers throughout the community. Additionally, STARability employs participants at both its main office and its STAR Studio & Artisan Gifts, located in the Naples Design District.

For questions, please contact Halley Kretschmer, director of career services, at 239-594-9007 ext. 108 or halley@STARability.org.

To learn more about STARability’s employment services, visit STARability.org.

For four decades, STARability Foundation has been shining a light on abilities. Formed by a small community of caring parents, STARability has become one of Southwest Florida’s leading nonprofits. Today, the organization is opening a world of possibilities for hundreds of individuals ages 14 and older by offering a variety of inclusive programs focused on vocational training, continuing education, teamwork, social engagement and community involvement. Their compassionate team supports people with disabilities by providing life-transforming opportunities that emphasize teamwork and a connection to the community while strengthening awareness and respect for individual abilities. To learn more about the services and program offerings available, please visit STARability.org.