Menu
Shepherd brings expertise to new job
Having been on the job since December, Heather (Walker) Shepherd is settling in nicely as Employment Network Director at On My Own Inc. Shepherd brings an extensive background of knowledge related to the job, and hopes to fully utilize it in her new position.
On My Own's primary objective is to assist individuals with disabilities in a variety of ways. Shepherd is currently putting all the pieces in place for On My Own's supported employment program. She said the pandemic has slowed down the official process, but that they should soon be certified through the Missouri Department of Mental Health. Shepherd said the program will teach job skills to those who think they may be unemployable. On My Own will assist those individuals with the writing of resumes, and also look to enhance interviewing skills via mock interviews. Shepherd said that once certification is complete, On My Own will seek to hire employment specialists to work with individuals with disabilities.
Shepherd said the biggest benefit of the program will come when those individuals become employed at a job they desire, and integrate into the community. Shepherd noted that On My Own will be there for them from the beginning, and provide support via a job coach, even while they're on the job — another major feature of the program she touted.
"The job coach could be with them just for a short period of time, or they could be there for as long as they're employed — so that they're successful," she said.
Shepherd said On My Own is also fairly far into the process of obtaining a grant through the Missouri Department of Transportation. Once obtained, On My Own will shuttle clients to-and-from their homes, as well as to doctors' appointments, the grocery store, church, and other errands. If the grant is successful, their fleet will include a 15-passenger van, and another vehicle that can hold multiple wheelchairs. On My Own hopes to have this in place by the beginning of 2021.
Shepherd said their transportation services will operate from 7 a.m to 10 p.m., seven days a week, and on holidays. They will also provide service up to five miles outside of city limits.
Shepherd explained that one major benefit of the service is that it will greatly help individuals who may feel isolated.
"When people are isolated in their own homes, it can cause depression and health issues," she said. "So having this extra transportation in the city, we'll hopefully see a decline in that. And, eventually, we want to branch out to our other four counties — Bates, Cedar, Hickory, and St. Clair."
Supported employment, as well as the transportation grant ties in with free classes offered by On My Own.
"We have several different classes for people young and old," Shepherd said. "We have parenting and independent living skill classes. The biggest barrier for (clients) getting here is transportation. So this will enable more people to come and participate in our services."
Continued Shepherd: "It's nice that we already have independent living skill classes set up. So that way, individuals participating in supported employment will be able to take those classes and put them on their resume.
"So that's one thing I'm looking forward to, is the classes we already have — the people through supported employment will be able to attend those as well."
In addition, On My Own is holding a "Reverse Job Fair" on Sept. 30, at their headquarters, located at 428 E. Highland Avenue.
"This will allow opportunities for (people) with disabilities to obtain employment," she said.
Shepherd's dossier
Shepherd, who will be instructing several of those classes, is a 1987 Nevada High alum. Shepherd received her Bachelor's degree in Sociology in 1994 from Missouri Southern State University. She received her Master's in Social Work in 2008 from Missouri State University, and obtained her clinical social work license in 2010.
Shepherd is the owner of Parenting Solutions LLC, based out of Joplin, which she now operates from Nevada. As a contract provider through the state of Missouri, Department of Social Services since '99, the company facilitates the reunifications of families who have children in foster care. After recently moving back to Nevada for her new position with On My Own, and to be closer to her mother, Shepherd said she couldn't be happier to be back home.
Additionally, Shepherd is a regular attendee of United Methodist Church — and currently participates and volunteers with Healthy Nevada, the Vernon County Youth Task Force, NEXUS, Community Advocates, and Four Rivers Crisis Intervention Team.
Shepherd has three children — her eldest is son Blake, followed by daughters Briauna, and Kate. Shepherd added that she adopted Kate from foster care at age 16.