Gina has over 13 years of experience helping individuals with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities. She has helped many to navigate major life activities related to self-care, understanding and expressing themselves and their needs. She’s also supports these individuals when learning self-direction, motivation while striving towards independent living and economic self-sufficiency.
“Genuinely be a friend, not their teacher, not their staff, to make a connection” - Gina Bari
Photo taken by Nicolee Spiller
EMPLOYMENT COORDINATION
Gina matches her clients’ strengths and talents, to companies looking for employees to do a specific task. Tasks that would overwhelm an existing employee’s schedule.
Each of Gina’s clients seeking employment, receives an individualized “visual resume.” An alternative way to highlight a client’s work and volunteer experience in a visually stimulating way. Gina visits her clients volunteer site and take photos of them participating in their job. As opposed to a traditional resume, clients would verbally tell the interviewer the story, describing each photo doing a particular task.
Gina spends time with clients, honing their skills as well as spending equal amounts of time with employers. She has helped discover where improvements can be made within their company, and essentially, create more profit. In one instance, a focus on organization and cleanliness within the restaurant prevented violations and work injuries. Therefore, less of the company’s revenue was lost.
Examples of some the tasks individuals can accomplish can be:
Restaurant keeping up with cleanliness during a busy lunch hour
Sorting clothing by size in an upscale boutique
Sorting recycling and garbage in residential buildings
Gina has made connections with TJ Maxx, Brooklyn Coffee Roasters, Robert’s restaurant, Brooklyn Brewery, real estate management companies and more.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Gina takes individuals, one on one or in groups of four, out into the community for social activities and volunteer work.
Learning social skills is vital for these individuals who need real world experiences to help solidify the lessons. These excursions help foster these teachings, in a kind, safe environment. In addition, she helps individuals overcome triggers, phobias, fears of certain objects and environments. Teaching coping skills to tackle debilitating triggers. This includes:
Training in common etiquette and courtesies
Appropriate conversations and differentiating between friends and acquaintances
Learning to pick up on social cues from others and recognizing body language
Making small, friendly talk
Initiating tasks independently
Gina has worked tirelessly to open doors to unique volunteer opportunities. At AHRC, Gina allows individuals to take on challenging and progressive activities. Some of the participating companies are HousingWorks Bookstore, Brooklyn Boulders, GallupNYC, Caring Community Center, Loisaida Inc. Center, Lincoln Center Senior Center, Msterio Doll fabrications.
ART CONSULTANCY
“Being direct with a gentle sprinkle of humor, goes a long way.” - Gina Bari
In 2022 Gina joined the ranks of Art Consultants at AHRC ArTech Collective, where she teaches art. One-on-one attention, letting the artist create their own projects, in the medium they would like to use. Whether it’s painting with various mediums, drawing landscapes or sewing by hand and with the machine, they have done it. She has had her artists creating dolls, T-shirts, freestanding sculptures, costumes, short film; there is no limit to what the artists can do.
Gina’s friendly, outgoing, and motherly demeanor makes her class quite popular. She creates an environment that allows space to grow, to take chances and socialize without the demands of perfection. Rather, it’s a safe place to create art with no judgments or limitations.
In the studio of AHRC ArTech Collective, there is also a safe place for individuals to discuss difficult topics and feelings; as art sometimes may bring up when creating. There are sometimes tears, anxieties and laughter that comes up to the surface of an artist. Without trying, art therapy organically manifests. The studio is also a place where birthdays are celebrated, holidays recognized. You’ll always find a pencil and paper, a friendly face to show you a new way to create art.
For more about Gina’s Art, check out https://www.GinaBariArt.com
For more information about AHRC feel free to visit https://www.ahrcnyc.org/services/work/preparing/
For more about the ArTech Collective check out the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTLAnTNOse8&list=PLavEvu1Iy50hDt4oKwI8wbhChBeNyCrsT
PAYMENT
Participating Medical Health Insurance accepted, as well as, out of pocket payments. One on one, in person, Zoom call, counseling, consulting, and PCA care available.
Please contact Gina for more information.