Retirement Community Helps Young People with Disabilities Develop Job Skills

SSedgebrook senior living community in Lincolnshire has partnered with Clearbrook and the Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL) and Illinois Department of Human Services in a program called Project SEARCH. The initiative places young adults with developmental and cognitive disabilities, into internships at area businesses and organizations. "They complete tasks and parts of jobs within a job, and learn responsibilities that can translate to employment opportunities down the road," said Deann Daniel, executive director of Sedgebrook. The retirement community has 10 young interns working there this year.

Daniel recalled that she was contacted at the beginning of the school year by a Clearbrook representative looking for opportunities for students who are transitioning from high school into the working world. "The criteria are that the organization with whom they work ideally has 500 or so employees. They want to make sure they can offer a variety of different jobs. Project SEARCH has done a lot of work with hospitals and skilled nursing sites. Sedgebrook seemed like a good potential fit," she said. "I thought it was a great idea."

The interns started at Sedgebrook with several weeks of classroom work. "We've given the program space here. Teachers and coaches spend the time talking about the proper way to do things at work such as clocking in, new employment orientation, etc.," said Daniel. Each participant was assigned to a ten-week internship, after which they rotated. "It's designed so that participants switch to learn new tasks and skills. The idea is to give them the opportunity to find something for which they might have a passion."

Now, well into the program, the interns still start each school day in the classroom. "They work on resumes, interviews, thank-you letters and job searches...skills for obtaining jobs. They then work with an assigned mentor from the Sedgebrook team in their specific department," said Daniel. "The interns return to their classroom at the end of their shift to talk about their day."

Daniel said that staff mentors are leaders who are willing to show the student the job. For instance, Adam was a young participant, working with Ryan Springer, community resources manager at Sedgebrook. "Adam worked at the front desk, in the fitness center and helped in the activities department," said Springer. "Adam likes singing karaoke so he helped lead one of our programs. For his final project in this rotation, he created and led a program and discussion for our residents. He did really well and the residents enjoyed it."

From the interns' perspective, Project SEARCH helps to build strong vocational skills. "The participants get experience in the work force, working with people and learning tasks that could benefit them in future employment," said Springer.

Adam has now rotated into an internship as a dietary aide. The 19-year old said that Project SEARCH has provided him with "patience and a better understanding of feedback." He added, "I hope being able to take that feedback helps me to be a fabulous employee."

Twenty-one-year-old Dylan started as a dietary aide and is now completing his internship as an assistant in the healthcare center's laundry facility. "I've learned a lot that you can't learn just in a classroom. Things like how to work on your own, social skills, speech skills and how to get the most out of your work environment," he said.

"From our perspective, we find that entry level positions are hard to fill. Our partnership has opened the door to more available employees whom we might not have thought of before," said Daniel. "We have no obligation to hire the interns but there are a few we'd hire tomorrow."

Brent Greiner, teacher coordinator of Project SEARCH at Sedgebrook has rave reviews for the retirement community's commitment to the program. "It's amazing to me, the positive impact both on the personal and professional level that Sedgebrook staff have had on the interns during their first internship," he reported. "This speaks volumes of the ability of Sedgebrook staff to provide effective instruction with patience, kindness, and support." He added that his team has seen dramatic change in the confidence and abilities of the interns. "We see them identifying themselves more and more as workers who take their jobs seriously."

"Just as a student who has graduated from college is proud of their alma mater, our clients who have participated in Project SEARCH this year will be proud to share their experiences at Sedgebrook. It's a win-win-win from our perspective and Clearbrook is thrilled to have found a partner for this innovative program," said Tony Di Vittoria, president of Clearbrook.

Daniel said that Project SEARCH has inspired a change in her perspective. "At the start, I thought about the participants' disabilities. Now, I think the flip side of that, about their capabilities. The program has surpassed my expectations. Not only are the interns doing a great job, but the mentors have really grown as well. It's nice to see."

Annette Doherty, job developer for Clearbrook concluded, "The 10 interns are just starting their job search and are available immediately for employment." For additional employment information, contact Doherty at adoherty@clearbrook.org.

Sedgebrook is a Life Plan Community offering a diverse lifestyle, maintenance-free living and outstanding amenities. Five-star rated Radford Green Health Care and Rehabilitation is located on the 72-acre Sedgebrook campus in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Sedgebrook is a Senior Care Development, LLC affiliated community and managed by Life Care Services LLC. For additional information visit www.WelcomeToSedgebrook.com or call 847) 901-3319.