At Your Service

In April of 1997, Willow's Way, Inc. started a pilot project called At Your Service.  At Your Service (AYS) assists individuals with developmental disabilities in starting and maintaining small businesses centered on their talents, interests and marketability in their community.

AYS Mission Statement

Through teamwork and respect, At Your Service empowers business owners to succeed with personal choices, while accomplishing independence and gratification.

The AYS program provides support services in the following areas as deemed appropriate by the individual's PCP Team:

 *Researching business opportunities and interests

 *Establishing a business plan

 *Accessing start-up funds

 *Meeting all state and federal licensing requirements

 *Business Maintenance

 *And many more, according to individual needs.

Previous to the start of small business supports, Willow's Way, Inc. supported several individuals with developmental disabilities who had not found success in traditional means of employment.  Traditional employment centers on workshops or employment within the community.  If individuals were not successful with either, they generally participated in a day program, which does not address human potential.

Program Entrance Criteria

Individuals eligible to participate in the AYS program must meet the following:

~ have a developmental disability

~ be at least 18 years old

~ eligible for Case Management services through the Department of Mental Health

~ have had an employment assessment

~ have not held employment for a period longer than six months

For further information or referral about the AYS program, please contact Victor Preli at:

636-947-6591 ext 1124
Or
636-757-0519

Funding

At Your Service is funded by the Developmental Disabilities Resource Board (DDRB) of St. Charles County and by the Department of Mental Health.  For more information on other support services funded by the Department of Mental Health, you may contact them at:

St. Charles Regional Center/Missouri Department of Mental Health

2530 Old Hwy 94

St. Charles, MO  63303

636/926-1200

Fax 636/926-1220