Project Shield

About Project Shield

Since 1982, Project Shield has been committed to responding to the developmentally disabled adult employment and community inclusion needs of San Juan County residents. The service area includes the communities of Farmington, Aztec, Bloomfield, the San Juan portion of the Navajo Reservation and all other areas of San Juan County. Project Shield works with clients, guardians, and the community to provide a range of individualized employment and community inclusion related services to persons with developmental disabilities. Each client has an Individualized Service Plan that helps staff address the unique needs of each client and provide the most effective support possible. Services are provided through the following programs: New Mexico Developmental Disabilities Waiver.

Day Habilitation: Habilitation services help maximize independent living skills in the areas of self care, physical and emotional maturity, and social communication. Staff is trained to assist clients in areas of money management, community integration, individual relationships, educational pursuits, personal care, and other areas identified in the clients Individualized Service Plan.

Community-Supported Employment: This employment model provides job development, placement, on-the-job training, and on-going support to individuals in community employment. All clients receive service coordination and transportation services, as well as assistance from a Job Coach who consistently evaluates job placement and support satisfaction. Project Shield partners with over 20 employers in San Juan County, allowing the program to offer clients job placements with a wide variety of skill level.

Community Access: Project Shield has an intensive program to identify and implement natural supports for all clients. Natural supports consist of non-paid volunteers or clients who provide friendship and social interaction to other clients. Often volunteers take clients to a movie or other social activity and assist in linking clients to resources in the community that promote independence.

Non-Medical Transportation: Transportation services are provided to all clients to and from the Project Shield facility, employment settings, social activities, shopping, etc.