Mandy's Farm, a nonprofit organization based out of the South Valley of Albuquerque, New Mexico, serves adults with developmental disabilities in their homes, community, and workplace. In New Mexico, adults with developmental disabilities rely, almost exclusively, on Medicaid Waiver services to gain access to the community, remain healthy, and obtain employment. The waiting list for these services is over a decade long, leaving thousands of vulnerable individuals without support following high school. This gap in support increases instances of unemployment for adults with developmental disabilities, their unpaid caregivers, and the likelihood of experiencing abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Mandy's Farm works towards closing this service gap through the implementation of the VAMOS Program or "Vocational Access and Meaningful Opportunities for Success." AmeriCorps members serve recipients by helping them navigate government benefits, support families in their roles as full-time caregivers, provide opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities to participate in career exploration and training, obtain skills needed for workplace success, and ensure participants have the support needed to gain successful employment in the community at a livable wage.

Focus Area: Economic Opportunity

• Earning degrees and gaining work experience
• Essential skills all employers look for such as leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication
• Help individuals find jobs and reduce the skills gap in high-growth sectors, including health services, construction, technology, energy, and education

Locations

• Albuquerque metropolitan area, New Mexico