Job Development
Career exploration, resume and interview preparation, employer outreach, and thoughtful job matching based on each person’s goals.
Santa Clara & Santa Cruz counties
Meaningful work.
Stronger communities.
We partner with people with disabilities, families, employers, and community organizations to create inclusive paths to employment.
Opportunity begins
with partnerships.
Our approach
Employment support built around the individual.
Every person brings unique strengths, interests, and goals. We begin there—then build practical supports, genuine employer partnerships, and a clear path toward greater independence.
What we do
Support at every step
Individualized services designed to help people find, learn, and sustain meaningful employment.
Job Coaching
Individualized on-the-job support, skills training, workplace communication, and a planned path toward greater independence.
Paid Internships
Hands-on opportunities that build confidence, workplace experience, and connections through the Paid Internship Program.
Employment Retention
Ongoing partnership with the employee and employer to strengthen success, resolve barriers, and support lasting employment.
What RISE means
Values that guide every partnership.
Our work is grounded in dignity, choice, possibility, and the belief that inclusive employment strengthens everyone.
Respect
We value every person and treat all with dignity.
Individuality
We honor each person’s unique gifts and goals.
Strengths
We focus on abilities and build potential.
Empowerment
We support informed choices and lasting change.
Meet the founder
Angela Lucero
Founder & CEO
Angela Lucero brings more than 25 years of experience working with people with disabilities in the nonprofit sector. She founded We RISE Employment & Community Services to help people pursue meaningful work through support built around their strengths, goals, and choices.
Angela has led employment and community programs in Santa Clara County, including job development, job placement, and on-site job coaching. Her work has included building employer partnerships, overseeing accredited services, and collaborating with public agencies and families. Earlier in her career, she spent 18 years directing programs for people with brain injuries and worked in human resources and recruitment.
Angela has also trained law enforcement officers in crisis intervention. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, cooking, trying new foods, and spending time with her grandchildren.
For employers
Build an inclusive workplace with the right support.
We help employers identify strong candidates, clarify job needs, plan effective onboarding, and provide individualized coaching at the worksite.
Partner with We RiseLet’s connect
Every opportunity starts with a conversation.
Contact We Rise to discuss employment services, a potential referral, or an employer partnership.
SARC vendorization in progress. Services will begin following final authorization and approval.