SC Disability Employment: Palmetto Goodwill Enclave Program

A Full Life: Jobs, Inclusion, and the Enclave Program

Employment is a path to dignity, independence, and belonging. For individuals with developmental disabilities in South Carolina, finding meaningful work requires a specialized system of support and coaching.

The SC Disability Employment Guide starts with the Palmetto Goodwill Enclave Program. We are committed to providing integrated job opportunities that promote skills development and community engagement.

Palmetto Goodwill Enclave member working among retail shelving, showcasing the independence gained through supported, integrated employment.

Employment is a path to dignity: The Enclave Program provides individuals with developmental disabilities the opportunity for integrated work and skill development.

1. The Integrated Employment Model

The Enclave Program is a critical service, operating in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN). This model is designed to provide professional support while ensuring full inclusion.

What the Enclave Program Offers:

Integrated Environment: Enclave members work side-by-side with non-disabled team members in a natural community setting. This promotes social inclusion.
Small Group Support: You will work together in small teams, typically eight members or less.
Expert Supervision: Every group is supervised by a dedicated job coach. This full-time coach provides hands-on support, training, and mentorship to ensure success.
Focus on Growth: The program prioritizes skills development, confidence-building, and accountability.

Large group photo of Palmetto Goodwill Enclave Program members and job coaches in uniform, demonstrating integrated group employment for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Enclave members collaborate in integrated work settings, showcasing the success of DDSN-supported group employment. These teams benefit from the immediate support and mentorship of a dedicated job coach.

2. Supported Pathways: AbilityOne and Contract Jobs

Palmetto Goodwill is able to offer stable, continuous employment through our partnership with the AbilityOne Program. This partnership is the backbone of the opportunities we provide.

Securing Long-Term Employment:

AbilityOne Access: We are a proud partner in the AbilityOne Program. In fact, this program is one of the largest employment providers for individuals with disabilities in the U.S.
Stable Contract Sites: Through AbilityOne, we manage multiple government and commercial contracts. This provides full-time and part-time jobs in safe, supportive environments.
Full Support Team: Team members gain independence and confidence because they are supported by a full team of job coaches, employment specialists, and site supervisors. This ensures skill mastery and continuous professional growth.

Palmetto Goodwill job coach assisting a woman in a wheelchair with her career documentation, illustrating the commitment to reasonable accommodation and support through the AbilityOne Program.

Your Success Coach provides dedicated, one-on-one assistance and reasonable accommodation, ensuring every participant finds success through the AbilityOne Program.

3. Beyond the Job: Skills and Resources

Achieving success means accessing the full range of Palmetto Goodwill’s services. Your participation in the Enclave Program opens doors to further education and training.

Job Coaching and Mentorship: Job coaches assist individuals to set specific goals and choose a sustainable career path. They also help obtain specialized training.
Financial Skills: Members gain skills to manage finances, helping them build stability and long-term security.
Career Opportunity Centers (COC): You have access to our COCs for additional resources, including resume help and computer access.

Palmetto Goodwill job coach assisting an Enclave member with computer training, supporting their digital literacy for SC disability employment.

The Full Support Team: Job coaches provide essential one-on-one training and mentorship, ensuring Enclave members master the technical skills needed for their contract roles.

4. How to Join and Support the Mission

This program is the cornerstone of our SC Disability Employment Guide. We are ready to help you or a loved one begin their journey to stable employment.

Applying to the Enclave Program

The process for joining the Enclave Program begins with the state partner:

Contact DDSN: To join the Enclave Program, individuals must apply and request eligibility directly through the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN).
Request Eligibility: You can call DDSN Toll Free at 1-800-289-7012 to request eligibility for BHDD-OIDD Services.

Diverse group of Palmetto Goodwill Enclave Program members standing together, symbolizing community inclusion and the success of the supported employment model.

Join the team: The Enclave Program offers integrated job opportunities and a supportive environment for individuals beginning their SC disability employment journey.

Supporting Disability Employment

Your support makes integrated employment possible. Every dollar funds the coaches and services that lead to success stories.

Donate Goods: Your unused household items fuel our mission. For instance, when you donate, your contributions pay for the job coaches who work in the Enclave Program.
Shop Local: Shop at our local thrift stores near me or secondhand stores. Consequently, every purchase keeps your dollars local and directly supports job training services in our community.
Recycle Electronics: We partner with Dell Reconnect to recycle electronics. This ensures usable devices are refurbished, supporting the community’s digital access needs.