Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert DelCastillo.
Hi Robert, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
In the early 2000s, I was working for a courier when I was introduced to an organization called Sunrise Community, which provides services for individuals with disabilities. After learning about their mission, I decided to apply, and I was hired. That opportunity marked the beginning of my passion for helping people with disabilities.
In 2008, I founded Assisted Employment Services, Inc. When I met my wife, I encouraged her to join me on this journey of helping individuals with disabilities find meaningful, gainful employment.
Today, we are proud to say that we have helped many individuals with disabilities secure employment and improve their quality of life. Together, we have made a real difference, one person at a time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has definitely not been completely smooth. Like many organizations that work in the disability services field, we faced our share of challenges, especially in the early years. One of the biggest obstacles was building trust within the community. Families, counselors, and participants needed to know that we were dependable, consistent, and fully committed to their success. That trust took time to earn.
Another challenge was navigating the constantly changing systems, policies, and requirements within Vocational Rehabilitation and other support programs. Staying compliant while still providing high-quality, individualized services required a lot of learning, persistence, and adaptability.
There were also practical struggles limited resources, long hours, and the responsibility of ensuring that every participant received the attention and support they deserved. When my wife joined me in the mission, we faced these challenges together, which made us stronger as a team.
But despite the obstacles, every success story from a participant’s first paycheck to long-term career growth reminded us why we started this journey. Those moments made every struggle worth it, and they continue to motivate us today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Assisted Employment Services, we specialize in helping individuals with disabilities find meaningful, long-term employment that matches their strengths, interests, and goals. Our work combines job development, coaching, advocacy, and ongoing support to ensure that every participant has the tools they need to succeed in the workplace.
What we’re known for is our hands-on, personalized approach. We don’t just place people in positions we learn who they are, what motivates them, and what barriers may be standing in their way. We build strong relationships with participants, families, employers, Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, and other providers that we work with to create a true team effort around each person’s success.
We pride ourselves on being patient, compassionate, and resourceful. Our mission goes beyond employment it’s about building confidence, independence, and hope. Some of the individuals we serve have never worked before or have faced years of rejection. Helping them earn their first paycheck or land a job they never thought possible is something we never take for granted.
One of the things that sets us apart is our commitment to long-term success, not just placement. We stay involved, follow up consistently, and make sure both the employer and participant have the support they need. We treat every case as if it were personal because to us, it is.
We’re most proud of the lives we’ve changed along the way. Seeing participants grow, develop new skills, build routines, and gain independence has been the driving force behind our work since the very beginning. Every success story, no matter how big or small, motivates us to continue expanding opportunities for the disability community.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The supported employment field is experiencing major change. Employment rates for people with disabilities have steadily increased in recent years, and more employers are open to inclusive hiring. Remote and hybrid work will continue to grow, creating new opportunities for individuals who may have faced barriers in traditional workplaces. Technology, digital access, and assistive tools will play a much larger role in job readiness, training, and long-term support.
The industry is also shifting strongly toward competitive, integrated employment and away from sheltered or sub-minimum wage environments. With that comes a greater focus on measurable outcomes retention, wages, advancement, satisfaction and funders are expecting more data-driven accountability from providers. At the same time, employers are starting to see disability inclusion as part of their DEI and talent strategy, not just a social service. This creates more room for collaboration.
However, challenges remain: employment gaps, under-employment, and the need for better long-term support systems. Providers will have to stay flexible as policies, employer needs, and workplace models continue to evolve.
For Assisted Employment Services, these trends mean expanding employer partnerships, supporting remote/hybrid opportunities, strengthening digital skills training, focusing on retention and advancement not just placement and continuing to provide personalized, hands-on support. By staying ahead of these shifts, we can keep creating meaningful, long-term employment opportunities for the people we serve.
Pricing:
- We are a nonprofit organization we accept donations
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.assistedemployment.com
- Instagram: assistedemployment
- Facebook: assistedemployment
