In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we at Living Resources are highlighting the accomplishments of individuals supported through our Employment Services program. For the past 40 years, School’s Out, Inc. (School’s Out) has given kids in Bethlehem Elementary Schools a nurturing place to go when they aren’t in the classroom, and Kendall is proud to be part of it all!
While she was in her senior year at The College Experience (CEP), a Living Resources program that empowers individuals with disabilities to gain life-changing experiences on the College of Saint Rose campus, she interned at School’s Out. She left for a bit to work at another afterschool program, but ultimately found her way back, reuniting with the kids and staff members she missed. Kendall works five days a week, with both the before-school and after-school care programs. She shares, “I like seeing the kids and playing games with them.” She especially enjoys mum ball and crafts.
School’s Out Inc. has been a partner with Living Resources since 2015, providing internships and employment opportunities to students enrolled in the CEP. The partnership began with two graduates and one of them continues working there six years later! Job coaches with Living Resources and site managers with School’s Out focus on empowering supported workers and interns, so that they can be successful team members. Director of School’s Out, Mandy Kirk says this joint effort strengthens her team and promotes quality care, enriching not only the workers, but the children and families School’s Out proudly serves.
Mandy says over the years, she’s seen communication skills and self-confidence grow and Kendall would agree! She says, “I’ve learned how to be more social and more active with the kids.” The partnership continues to flourish, with two CEP graduates set to join the team at School’s Out this fall.
Living Resources’ Employment Program seeks to assist individuals with disabilities as they pursue meaningful career opportunities. The mission is to help people achieve independence and self-sufficiency by ensuring individualized supports are provided on the job site through partnerships with scores of businesses across the Capital Region. The benefits are bountiful. The individual becomes a part of a more diverse and inclusive workforce while helping the business meet its needs.