The Community and Employment Services Department is primarily funded by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and referral for services comes through DDS. A private pay option is available for individuals.

Employees working in the Community and Employment Services Department meet Marrakech hiring and training requirements prior to working with individuals.  These requirements include educational qualifications, background checks, and training on various topics including agency policy, health, and safety standards (CPR, PMT, etc), abuse and neglect, and medical awareness. Experience and educational requirements vary based on position.

Each location offers Community Experience Programs (DSO, IDN, and Senior Supports) and Employment Services (GSE, IDV, and SEI). The West Haven location also includes an Autism Services Program.

Community Experience Programs

Description: The Community Experience Programs offer a variety of recreational, habilitative, and leisure activities for adults with developmental disabilities who may also have physical disabilities or behavioral challenges. Individuals in this program generally do not have a primary employment goal; however, some individuals volunteer or become involved with occasional paid work opportunities. Participants are encouraged to maximize their independence, choice-making, community relationships, and meaningful community experiences.

Services are offered Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 AM-4:30 PM. The frequency of services is dependent upon individualized needs.  The program goal is to create an environment that will enable persons, regardless of their physical, medical, intellectual, behavioral, or other challenges, opportunities for personal enjoyment and growth, and satisfaction from activities involving community belonging, social enhancement, recreation, leisure, work, or volunteering.

Employment Services

Description: The employment services program offers a variety of vocational supports, from individualized (SEI and IDV) to group-based (GSE).

Individualized employment services focus on helping the individual achieve independence and success through competitive employment in the community. Based on assessments, professional support will be provided to people with developmental disabilities who have the potential and skills to work independently, but may require some periodic assistance on the job. The goal is that once an individual placement is made in the community, job support can fade over time.

The goal of the Group Supported Employment (GSE) Program is to maintain successful employment in a community setting for a small group of individuals with similar needs. An Employment Specialist is on-site at all times to serve as the supervisor of the work setting, to act as the liaison with the host company, and to ensure the quality of the work being performed. The Employment Specialist is responsible for assessing the skills and needs of the individuals in order to assist them in establishing their goals and employment paths. Additionally, participants will learn skills for work that are marketable should the individual wish to move to a more independent work situation in the future.

Autism Services

Description: The Autism Services Program is a specialized Community Experience program located at 450 Island Lane in West Haven.  This program provides specialized services to individuals who are diagnosed with Autism-Spectrum Disorder.  This program provides specialized sensory rooms for individuals to utilize including a planetarium, music room as well as other areas for relaxation.  Physical activity is an important part of the day and activities are available throughout the day.  This program also has community participation as a key component.  Services are flexible based on the needs, goals, and objectives of each individual.

Geographic Areas Covered: West Haven, Waterbury, and New Milford.

Contact Information:

Zeno Payton
Vice President of DDS Community and Employment Services
Phone: (203) 389-2970 x 1214
Fax: (203) 479-4489
zpayton[at]marrakechinc.org

Mailing Address:
Marrakech, Inc.
Six Lunar Drive
Woodbridge, CT 06525

Main Phone: (203) 389-2970
Main Fax: (203) 397-0658