Chapel Haven’s CareerAbility program is celebrating new jobs and work experiences that are happening even in this most challenging time. Congratulations to:
Doug M., Ivy League Landscaping
Doug M. loves his job with Ivy League Landscaping. He enjoys weed wacking and likes working outdoors.
Says Justin Grande, “Chapel Haven Schleifer Center’s grounds always look amazing. Doug is a valued employee of the Ivy League landscaping crew.”
“I like working outdoors in the fresh air – it wakes me up,” says Doug.
Michael P., JCC of Greater New Haven
Mike P. aspires to be a personal trainer. He loves working at the JCC
Michael P. loves his job as a member of gym floor staff at the JCC of Greater New Haven. A graduate of our Asperger Syndrome Adult Transition program, Mike has earned many certifications toward becoming a personal trainer. This current job is helping him gain valuable on-the-job experience toward his goal.
At the JCC, Mike helps people stay fit and healthy in the gym . His duties including keeping the machines clean and enforcing COVID rules to keep members safe! Mike has earned many certifications from the ISSA, and is hoping to one day become a personal trainer.
Evan. C., SAS Retail Services
Evan C. loves his job
Evan C., who has been employed by SAS retail services and works at multiple Stop & Shop locations in the area. He has held this position for two years and is responsible for tasks such as stocking and making sure items are properly shelved.
Evan is a fast paced worker who completes assignments in a timely fashion and who stays safe with his mask
and social distancing! Evan’s secured the job through our CareerAbility division and is doing a super job.
“Everything is going great and everyone at work is nice,” Evan says. Congrats, Evan!
Adam B., Employee of the Quarter, Cross Hall Galley, Groton
Adam B. at Cross Galley
Adam B. has been selected as Employee of the Quarter in for his hard work, dedication and commitment to the men and women whom dine at the Cross Hall Galley in Groton.
Adam has been at the Galley for 2 years.
According to his Manager David Oko, “Adam works very hard, hardly misses work along with his upbeat attitude.! Congratulations to Adam, we are proud of you and your outstanding work ethic!
Wyatt C. and Abby P., Massaro Community Farms
Wyatt C. is enjoying his job with Massaro Community Farms.
“I really like working at Massaro Community Farms gardens,” Wyatt said. “I’m getting great work experience and learning a little about farming.”
CareerAbility offers volunteer opportunities to help individuals gain pre-vocational skills and experience in work based settings. The team of CareerAbility works hard to find appropriate placements around Greater New Haven county and has done well in establishing great contacts with local employers and community partners.
Abby P. at Massaro Community Farm, Woodbridge
Abby P. is also taking part in volunteering through CareerAbility’s Summer catalog. Her experience was part of the “CareerAbility Gardens – Cultivating Skills” offering and much of it took place at Massaro Community Farm. Abby weeds, waters the gardens, loads the vans and helps out with seasonal agricultural tasks.
CareerAbiilty forges relationships with multiple employers and community partners in the area so that adults have a range of choices on where they want to develop their employment skills. Suzanne Snowden, Work Based Learning Specialist for CareerAbility and lead on the project, said “Abby enjoys being outside and working on the farm.”
CareerAbility’s career Development Advisor, Sarah Elsdon, helps each Chapel Haven adult referred to employment services identify what they like to do and the team cultivates opportunities for individualized experiences where clients can gain work skills in their area of preference. Abby has a strong interest in horticulture and these skills will advance her career pathway into this industry and add to her resume as she seeks employment.
Seth B., intern, Race Brook Country Club
Seth B., this fall has enjoyed an internship at Race Brook Country Club in Orange as part of his Facilitated Discovery experience in CareerAbility’s Employment Services.
Seth’s main tasks include washing and drying golf carts, disinfecting touch points on golf carts, collecting loose golf balls on the driving range, polishing returned clubs and storing them in the bag room, setting the range (refilling golf balls for the driving range), sweeping the cart barn, and cleaning golf cart windshields. Seth is happy about the internship.
“I’m glad I got an opportunity to work at Race Brook Country Club. Ever since I started working there, I have put a lot of hard work and effort into what I’ve been doing,” Seth said. “I enjoy being outside with not only my co-workers, but the members as well. Especially socializing with them. It makes me feel safe and comfortable. I couldn’t have asked for more. I would like to thank my parents, my supervisors and my friends for making this experience enjoyable.”
“Seth has been doing great,” said Paul Barnsley, the pro at Race Brook Country Club. “Thank you, Chapel Haven, for everything you do.”
Seth out on the course
“We are so happy that the longstanding partnership that Chapel Haven Schleifer Center has with Race Brook Country Club could be extended to offer CareerAbility’s clients meaningful work experience,” said Danielle Chiaraluce, Executive Director of CareerAbility. “This experience will benefit Seth as we develop his Employment Profile in preparation for a future job placement.”
Rose R., Home Depot, North Haven
Also congrats this summer to Rose. R, who has begun a job in the paint department of Home Depot, North Haven. This placement came about thanks to a partnership between Chapel Haven’s CareerAbility program and Kens Krew, Inc.
Rose R. has a new job at Home Depot
The mission of Ken’s Krew Inc., a non-profit corporation, is to provide vocational training and job placement services to young adults with cognitive disabilities who are transitioning into the workforce. Ken’s Krew, through paid employment, provides the opportunity for individuals to become productive members of their community and employees of local retail stores, such as Home Depot.
Rose will balance this position and her second job at Chapel Haven Schleifer Center. “It does not surprise me that Rose secured such an exceptional opportunity within Home Depot through our Ken’s Krew partnership,” Danielle said. “She is a hard worker and always willing to take on new challenges. Home Depot has found themselves a very reliable employee.”
Chapel Haven’s CareerAbility Program was founded to meet a vital element of Chapel Haven’s mission: to create meaningful employment for its clients. A transdisciplinary team from CareerAbility works hard to ensure that placements are matched to every client’s individual strengths and vocational preferences. To ensure success, CareerAbility’s model incorporates a unique combination of best practices.
Thus far, 89% of adults referred to CareerAbility have been placed into competitive employment. For more information, contact Executive Director Danielle Chiaraluce at dchiaraluce@chapelhaven.org
