If you have never heard about Whiteville’s Vocational Rehabilitation Services (WVRS), then you or a loved may be missing out on a great opportunity. As part of downtown’s revitalization project, the center moved to an office on Madison Street making it even easier for clients to take advantage of all the rehab services the county has to offer.
WVRS is state and federally funded and focuses on helping individuals with mental and physical disabilities become part of the workforce. They address issues like anxiety, depression, substance abuse, learning problems, relationship challenges, degenerative disc disease, seizures, diabetes, heart conditions, respiratory problems, ADHD, and other chronic disabling conditions. The center has a wide range of experience with job placement assistance for those who have disabilities and want to pursue their career goals.
There are even counselors available at both city and county high schools who provide adult services to students who graduate and want to transition into the workforce.
“Our services include assistance with job services, medical treatment, mental health treatment, and education expenses,” said Ella Jordan, Unit Manager for WVRS.
The rehab center has many success stories to share. They provided a student with an internship opportunity that turned into a full-time position with Columbus Regional, assisted with college training that helped a young lady obtain employment with a major news station, and have helped many individuals start their own business.
One student received transition services in high school, attended WVRS’s training facility, Workforce East in Goldsboro, to obtain childcare certification. That student returned home to work in the childcare industry and has been gainfully employed for the last four years.
“It is always a pleasure to work with individuals to help remove barriers to employment and see them succeed,” expressed Jordan. Their motto is to equip, employ, and empower.
Whiteville Vocational Rehabilitation Services has a staff of thirteen people who are available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. A referral can be made by calling 910-788-5200. The office is located at 615 South Madison Street in Whiteville.
