By Anna Skinner
Janus Developmental Services, a business providing onsite and assistance programs and services to adults with developmental disability seeking employment out in the community, just elected a new president.
Christina Sorensen has served as an interim president and CEO since November of last year, and the board made the decision recently to go ahead and make her the full time president and CEO.
With her new position, Sorensen makes sure the programs and services meet regulatory requirements. She is also responsible for insuring the company meets their budget requirements, and she leads the agencies in finding new types of funding.
Currently, Sorensen and her team are finalizing a strategic plan and working with American Structurepoint to develop a master plan for the facility’s capacity and if it meets future growth.
“The people are my favorite,” Sorensen said. “I love the clients that we serve, they are just fantastic, and just to see all of the staff and the passion, commitment and dedication they have with serving our clients. We are a team working together toward the same goal. It just feels like a real strong positive energy here.”
Janus Developmental Services provides solutions for businesses in doing a lot of contract work, and they can assist businesses with different types of work. They also have clients frequently looking for positions.
Janus Development Services provides job coaches to the clients. Sorensen said it is wonderful because an employer ends up getting a dedicated employee. A liaison is established to make sure the employee does the work correctly.
They also offer a public transportation service available to the citizens of Hamilton County.
“I see us having continual growth, we’ve had some incredible months recently with work provided to clients and the number of referrals we receive for community employment,” Sorensen said. “The rides for the Hamilton County Express are increasing and we are starting strong relations with community.”
Janus also partners with Noblesville High School. Students can come participate in the Hidden Talent program at the development and work with clients producing artistic work.
“It’s a nice opportunity for students to see what it’s like to work once they transition out of the school system,” Sorensen said.
Sorensen said Janus is constantly looking for different ways to partner with businesses and the community, and they also search for volunteer opportunities.
Janus clients come for the day and are at the facility from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
Recently, the clients visited the Statehouse and were able to speak with Indiana Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann.
“Our mission really is to produce individuals with disabilities an opportunity to participate within community,” Sorensen said. “We try to find activities that are outside the community so they can go take part and experience it.”
