TRANSITION SERVICES AND SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
by Chris Stewart, Transition Coordinator
Scattering seeds. That’s what the first five months were like in the field of transition services. From October to February I had the privilege to meet with teachers and students from each of the high schools in Athens County. During those meetings I presented the Personnel Plus & Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission’s (ORSC) Pathways partnership project, particularly focusing on our 2010 Summer Youth Employment Program, to over 300 students. Of the seeds that were scattered, many have taken root and begun to sprout. From among those who heard of our services, 60+ expressed interest in being referred to ORSC for the program, and several of those have already met with the Pathways case manager. So now I guess you can say I am in the “harvest gathering” stage. We have received several applications for our Summer Youth Employment Program, and things are moving along very nicely for the potential of a great summer. The most exciting part of all is that we will get to provide 25+ students with disabilities, between ages 16 and 21, an opportunity to have summer employment and hands-on job training. Where will they be working this summer? We have secured five work sites in which the Summer Youth Employment Program workerswill be placed: Amesville Township, Federal Hocking High School building and grounds, EdMap, Athens Country Club, and Big Lots of Athens. We are very thankful not only for the cooperation, but the enthusiasm we received from all five of the work sites will be partnering with this summer. It looks like it could be a fruitful summer!