A Path Toward Independence
Employment is more than a paycheck. It is confidence, purpose, and a future. At Developed Employment Services, we provide hands-on training, coaching, and support so people grow into reliable, confident, and independent employees and business owners.
What We Offer
Training, Coaching, and Support Built Around You
Vocational Training
Learn real workplace skills through hands-on experience: work habits, communication, time management, task execution, and professional conduct. You choose the type of work that interests you, and we support you until you are ready to work on your own.
Beyond-Work Support
Success at work starts long before you arrive on the job. When needed, we help with morning routines, meal planning, transportation, social skills, self-advocacy, school or certifications, and driver's license prep. If it affects work, we can help.
Starting a Business
Some of our participants are entrepreneurs. We help people start and run their own businesses in landscaping, cleaning, courier services, crafts, content creation, carpentry, and more, with hands-on coaching every step from first idea to first customer.
Transportation Assistance
Getting to and from work should never be the reason someone cannot succeed. Reliable transportation assistance is available for any participant who needs it, removing one of the most common barriers to steady, lasting employment in our rural community.
Have questions?
Reach out to us.
How to Join the Program
All participants join through a referral from their service coordinator at the Redwood Coast Regional Center.
Once referred, we meet with you to identify your goals and interests, design your Individual Service Plan together, and begin training at a job site matched to your strengths. Family members and caretakers are welcome to be part of this process at every step.
To get started, contact your Redwood Coast Regional Center service coordinator and ask about Developed Employment Services.
The Path to Independence
Step 1
Training
Build skills, confidence, and daily routines through hands-on work matched to your interests.
Step 2
Placement
Work for local businesses or residents with your job coach alongside you, learning the expectations of the role.
Step 3
Growth
Take on more responsibility, explore new types of work, and develop independence as coaching support gradually reduces.
Step 4
Independence
A steady job, a direct hire, or a business of your own. You are ready.
Why Families Choose DES
Structure and Accountability Every participant has a dedicated coach, an Individual Service Plan, and regular progress discussions. You can trust that your family member is supported, safe, and making measurable progress.
We Treat People as Capable Adults Our participants are not projects. They are people with strengths, interests, and real potential. We meet them with respect and high expectations, and they rise to the occasion.
Independence, Not Dependence We celebrate when someone graduates because it means they are ready to succeed on their own. That is the outcome we work toward from day one.
Support Beyond the Workplace If your family member needs help with routines, transportation, social skills, or other life skills, we address those too. We look at the whole picture, not just the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Developed Employment Services?
Our program serves adults (18 and older) with a developmental disability who are ready to build job skills and work toward independence. Participants enroll through their service coordinator at the Redwood Coast Regional Center. We work with each individual and their support team to determine the right fit.
How does someone enroll in the program?
Enrollment begins with a referral. Contact your service coordinator at the Redwood Coast Regional Center and ask about Developed Employment Services. Once referred, we meet with you to understand your strengths, interests, and goals, then build an individual plan together.
How much does the program cost for participants and families?
Services are funded through the Redwood Coast Regional Center for eligible individuals, so there is typically no direct cost to participants or their families. Your service coordinator can explain funding and eligibility for your specific situation.
What kind of jobs do participants do?
Participants work in a range of fields based on their interests and strengths, including landscaping, janitorial and cleaning, warehouse and industrial work, office and administrative tasks, courier work, and more. Some participants also pursue starting their own small business with our support.