As an IPS Employment Specialist, Anthony helps people with mental health and substance use challenges...
As an IPS Employment Specialist, Anthony helps people with mental health and substance use challenges discover their strengths, build confidence, and find meaningful work. His story shows how empathy and belief can create real change and help people thrive through work. Through real stories about Individual Placement and Support (IPS), the Thrive Through Work initiative is proving that access to regular jobs helps people, businesses, and communities thrive together. Developed by Strong365 Lab, with support from the California Department of Health Care Services.
Ingrid has worn many hats, from corporate roles to public health. Now…
Ingrid has worn many hats, from corporate roles to public health. Now, as an IPS specialist, she helps others discover their strengths and succeed at work. For Ingrid, walking alongside someone as they achieve their goals is the most rewarding part of her job.
Al didn’t know what to say when his daughter, Sam, started struggling, and at first, he didn’t understand why she would try working while in recovery. But through Individual Placement Services (IPS), Al watched Sam regain confidence, rebuild routine, and begin to thrive. Along the way, he learned how to support her without trying to “fix” everything. He now understands how and why talking openly can help families move forward. *Disclosure: Al’s story is portrayed by an actor.
Sam has experienced firsthand the power of meaningful work. Through Individual Placement Services (IPS), Sam found employment that brought renewed confidence, stability, and hope. For Sam, IPS is about more than a job. It's about living her life on her terms. *Disclosure: Sam’s story is portrayed by an actor.
Paulette watched her daughter, Chastity, rebuild her confidence and independence through IPS and felt inspired to do the same. With guidance from an IPS specialist, Chastity found a new job that offered stability, better pay, and renewed self-worth. For her, work has become more than income. It’s a foundation for pride and purpose.
A few years ago, Alex faced mental health challenges that made returning to work feel impossible…
A few years ago, Alex faced mental health challenges that made returning to work feel impossible. With support from an IPS employment specialist, he rebuilt his confidence, prepared for interviews, and found a job that matched his strengths. Working again gave Alex more than a paycheck — it helped him feel capable, connected, and purposeful. His story shows how the right support can make employment feel possible again.
Before Josh found work, he struggled to feel useful and confident about his future…
Before Josh found work, he struggled to feel useful and confident about his future. With the support of an IPS Employment Specialist, he was able to figure out his career path, attend job fairs, and prepare applications. Ultimately, Josh discovered a path that matched his interests: working with kids in an elementary school. Today, Josh feels respected, capable, and proud of the difference he makes every day.
Before IPS, Chastity felt stuck and disconnected from her goals…
Before IPS, Chastity felt stuck and disconnected from her goals. Through the support of her IPS specialist, she found work as a hostess in a healthcare setting—a job that brings structure, confidence, and joy back into her daily life. Her story shows how work can strengthen self-esteem and spark new purpose.
When Carlos first started looking for work, he felt lost and frustrated…
When Carlos first started looking for work, he felt lost and frustrated. With support from his IPS specialist, Ingrid, he found a job he loves in electronics sales and a new sense of confidence and independence. Ingrid also helped guide him on his finances and interview prep before he got the job. For Carlos, work means responsibility, pride, and being someone others can count on.
Maya has always wanted a job where you get to see real change happen for someone. As an IPS specialist. . .
Maya has always wanted a job where you get to see real change happen for someone. As an IPS specialist, she builds relationships with employers, learns what makes people succeed, and stays involved long after the hire — because the right match changes everything. *Disclosure: Maya’s story is portrayed by an actor.
Through real stories about Individual Placement Services (IPS) support, the Thrive Through Work initiative is proving that access to regular jobs helps people, businesses, and communities thrive together. This initiative was developed by Strong365 Lab, with support from California Department of Health Care Services and IPS Works.
As an IPS Employment Specialist, Anthony helps people with mental health and substance use challenges...
As an IPS Employment Specialist, Anthony helps people with mental health and substance use challenges discover their strengths, build confidence, and find meaningful work. His story shows how empathy and belief can create real change and help people thrive through work. Through real stories about Individual Placement and Support (IPS), the Thrive Through Work initiative is proving that access to regular jobs helps people, businesses, and communities thrive together. Developed by Strong365 Lab, with support from the California Department of Health Care Services.
Ingrid has worn many hats, from corporate roles to public health. Now…
Ingrid has worn many hats, from corporate roles to public health. Now, as an IPS specialist, she helps others discover their strengths and succeed at work. For Ingrid, walking alongside someone as they achieve their goals is the most rewarding part of her job.
Maya has always wanted a job where you get to see real change happen for someone. As an IPS specialist. . .
Maya has always wanted a job where you get to see real change happen for someone. As an IPS specialist, she builds relationships with employers, learns what makes people succeed, and stays involved long after the hire — because the right match changes everything. *Disclosure: Maya’s story is portrayed by an actor.
Through real stories about Individual Placement Services (IPS) support, the Thrive Through Work initiative is proving that access to regular jobs helps people, businesses, and communities thrive together. This initiative was developed by Strong365 Lab, with support from California Department of Health Care Services and IPS Works.