Employment
The Willis Dady Employment Program empowers clients to break the cycle of homelessness by connecting them to supported employment opportunities in the greater Cedar Rapids area. We work with local businesses, governments, and other organizations to develop creative partnerships that meet the needs of both clients and employers.
Are you an employer looking for a new pipeline of diverse employees?
Click here to find Information for Employers
Our Employment Programs:
Supportive Staffing Program
Clients begin their path to stability as a supported temporary employee with Willis Dady while working for a local business. This program started through a partnership with Frontier Co-op, who annually provides opportunities for 150+individuals to re-enter the workforce.
Willis Dady works with clients and their managers on an individual plan to help them succeed, gain work experience, and become full time employees. Case management empowers clients to re-enter the workforce with individualized support, addressing their barriers to maintaining stable employment while coaching employability skills.
Willis Dady has partnered with Frontier Co-op since 2018 and has expanded to offer low-cost carpool transportation to employees. Today Willis Dady has multiple Supportive Staffing partners across the Corridor area to employ those near or experiencing homelessness.
I couldn’t be more proud of the work we are doing together through this collaboration. Willis Dady has helped make the transition for the apprentices smooth and seamless.
- Jodi Wacha, Human Resources
Frontier Co Op
Litter Abatement Program
The Litter Abatement Program provides litter and community space clean-up services through contract with the City of Cedar Rapids Solid Waste Agency. This team of 5-6 individuals works throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall to support beautification efforts across our community.
Our Mattress Recycling program is the only one of it's kind within the state of Iowa. We accept mattresses at our Willis Dady Works location (800 1st Ave NW, Cedar Rapids IA 52405) to provide employment opportunities to individuals with high barriers to traditional employment, while keeping mattresses out of the landfill!
Mattress Recycling Program
Quick Mattress Recycling Facts:
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Over 75% of a mattress can be recycled into other products
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Mattresses are cited as the largest cause of workplace injury at landfills
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Our program provides steady income through employment to 5-6 individuals at a time
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On average it takes 8 yeas to decomposable parts of mattresses to disintegrate, leaving the springs, wood, and other components as long-term waste.
Delivery & Payment Instructions
Our Mattress Recycling program is located at Willis Dady Works (800 1st Ave NW Cedar Rapids, IA 52405) and accepts mattresses Monday-Friday 9:00am-2:00pm. This is a fee for service partnership with Linn County Solid Waste to reduce landfill strain and provide employment to individuals in our community.
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We do NOT accept box springs.
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Loads with 5 or more mattresses need to call ahead to schedule drop off at 319-651-2863
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Mattresses are $10 for Linn County residents (verified with ID or License Plate) and $35 for non-Linn County residents. Please bring your ID with you to drop off.
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We are able to take exact cash, cards, and check at drop off.
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Questions?
Contact our Employment Case Manager, Marin, at 319-651-2863.
Willis Dady Employment Program
The aim of the employment program is to assist in ending and preventing homelessness for every individual we serve through direct support in short-term, stable employment leading to longer term employment and stability.
Are you looking for a new source of employees? We provide a customized partnership to make sure your workforce needs are met!
We are currently seeking new employer partners interested in a new pipeline for diverse employees.
Follow the link below for more Information For Employers
We are also seeking volunteers who have experience running a small business to serve as advisers as we explore new start-up opportunities. If you want to use your skills in running a small business to give back to the community, please contact us to learn more.
Questions about Employment?
If you are interested in being referred the Employment Program, please reach out to your case manager, or call Willis Dady's main line to answer some questions and be placed on the referral list: 319-362-7555