Since 1968, VODEC has been meeting the needs of people with developmental disabilities by providing vocational, residential and day services that enable them to gain employment and live more independently.
The organization began as an affiliate of the local Area Education Agency and became a private nonprofit corporation in the early 1970s. For 40 years, VODEC has worked with thousands of clients with a focus on giving them a real work environment and teaching proper work habits. During the past 10 years, the organization has grown to include three work centers in Council Bluffs, LaVista, Neb., and Omaha; two adult day-habilitation centers in Omaha; and residential services in Council Bluffs and Omaha.
VODEC's long-time record of service to the community is featured in the book "Silent Hills Speak: A History of Council Bluffs" (William E. Ramsey and Betty Dineen Shrier, Barnhart Press, Council Bluffs Library Foundation, publishers, 2002).
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People with developmental disabilities face numerous obstacles during their lifetime. VODEC seeks to give each individual the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential, to interact with society, to experience a sense of belonging and to contribute something of themselves at their own level of ability.
To fulfill its mission, VODEC believes:
- Every person has value
- Every person should be treated with dignity and respect
- Every person can grow and learn through community experiences
- Every person should experience life in the most natural setting
- Every person has the right to be the primary decision maker in his/her life and carries the responsibility for the direction it takes
- Every person is protected by the full weight of the constitution and its amendments
Employment Training is provided at three workshops in Council Bluffs, Omaha and LaVista, through work contracts secured with local companies. Clients learn job skills and earn competitive wages based upon individual levels of productivity.
Vocational Training programs include adult basic education (offered in Iowa by Iowa Western Community College), health and safety class, an online computer lab, monthly awards and transitional services for high school students.
Supported Employment
Supported Employment offers a full range of job placement, job coaching and follow-up services. VODEC starts with an assessment that determines job interests and abilities and matches clients with the best available job.
Enclaves provide clients with a structured, work-training environment within a local business, emphasizing the value of productive work and productive people.
Residential Services
Supervised Residential Community and Community Living Skills Programs allow clients to receive services while living in their own apartments or homes. These services enable clients to become interdependent by reinforcing their basic living, healthcare and social skills. Staff members help clients achieve personal goals and access available resources.
Adult Day Services
Elm is an innovative day habilitation program created specifically for individuals with multiple disabilities. VODEC creates a safe, engaging and nurturing environment mindful of a person's needs in collaboration with his or her family. Staff and participants work together to create an activity plan tailored to meet the needs and desires of the individual, always emphasizing quality of life and inclusion in their community.
VODEC's Community, Awareness, Responsibility, Enrichment and Support program is a day habilitation service that focuses on developing the individual's natural supports and skills that enhance the quality of life in a non-vocational setting. Clients gain skills in interpersonal relationships, daily living, budgeting, nutrition, health and safety, access to community resources including leisure and cultural activities, self-advocacy, citizenship and volunteerism.
Adult Transition Program
VODEC's Adult Transition Program is designed for high school students with learning disabilities between the ages of 18 and 21. ATP pinpoints the essential skills clients need to develop for daily living, community and leisure activities and job readiness.
For more information, call (712) 328-2638 or visit the Web site at www.vodec.org.
Walk for VODEC
In conjunction with the Vocational Development Center's 40th anniversary milestone, the organization will kick off a walk called Enable the Disabled Walk for VODEC Sunday. Registration will begin at 9 a.m., and the walk will begin at 11.
The walk begins and ends at Ameristar Casino-Hotel, 2200 River Road, and follows the scenic Iowa Riverfront Trail with breathtaking views of downtown Omaha and the Missouri River, including the new pedestrian bridge. Participants can choose one-, two- or three-mile walks or sign up to be a virtual walker. Routes begin at Ameristar and follow the Iowa Riverfront Trail to the new pedestrian bridge and back.
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