Aaron Durst, 26, of Greenville recently started a job at T.J. Maxx, which he said he likes.

Durst has autism and Ms. Long said he didn’t speak much before he started the program. Now he said the thing he enjoys most about his job is working with other people.

“He’s always surprising us,” Ms. Long said.

Many members of the group said the program was a great boost to their motivation. And it’s a place where they’ve made friends.

David Van Ord, 21, of Wheatland, is looking for a new job after one at a restaurant didn’t suit him. He’s filled out about 50 applications in six weeks.

“Things takes time,” said Van Ord, who said he wants to do something with his life to help people deal with their problems after he’s learned how himself.

Learning what you don’t want to do is useful, too. And it’s important to note that you might be good at things you don’t enjoy and not so good at things you do, Ms. Long said.

“This process is not always smooth sailing,” Ms. Long reminded the group. “There’ll be pitfalls. We’re here to help.”

Finding the right match and persevering is the key, she said.

During the week the clients are in contact with job coaches who help them evaluate what types of jobs might be good for them and then help them find those jobs, vocational rehabilitation specialist Shawn Blakeny said. The job coaches help them get acclimated and keep in touch with supervisors once the clients are on their own.

Blakeny said that they also help with money management, transportation and housing.

The program started last year through a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Bureau of Autism Services and has been a success. But the funding for this year was cut, like many other social service programs.

“We made a promise to our adults and to ourselves so we’re going to do our best to keep supporting them,” said Ms. Long. She said they’ve applied for additional funding and are accepting donations for the program, which is free for clients.

Mercer County ranks 3rd for prevalence of autism out of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, according to data by the Department of Public Welfare. Only Warren County and Pike County near New York City have a higher rate of incidence. There may be more who aren’t diagnosed.

“They’re out there. We just have to find them so we can help them,” Ms. Long said.