Innovations

Putting more people back to work than any other community mental health center in the country. 

Innovative partnerships make it happen.

Aldo knows what he wants – a job in the hospitality industry. He has the experience and qualifications. Now all he has to do is find the right job.

Aldo’s case manager at the Mental Health Center of Denver connected him with Gary Fair, an employment specialist at its 2Succeed in Education and Employment program who provides guidance and jobcoaching to individuals interested in going back to work. He helps them prepare for and keep jobs. Gary had just the right fit for Aldo.

Gary got Aldo started with Denver’s Road to Work, a partnership between Bayaud Enterprises, the Mental Health Center of Denver and Denver’s Department of Human Services and five downtown hotels to train and employ people with disabilities - who used to be homeless - in the hospitality industry.

Aldo attended a two-day class taught by hotel human resources staff covering mock interviews, filling out applications, and guest expectations. Included is a 10-hour job shadowing where candidates can experience what it is really like to work in a hotel in various positions such as the front desk, houseman, maintenance, and bellman.

Aldo did his job shadow at the Oxford Hotel in downtown Denver. “I am really grateful to MHCD, Gary Fair and the Oxford Hotel for the experience. Now I feel ready when the right opportunity comes along,” says Aldo.