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Vocational Education Coordinator Mary Garman visits with youth about the Bridge to Independence program. 4 a cornerstone of independence At the age of 19, petite Jonelle had a huge awakening. She finally understood what it means to have a disability as a working adult - that it would always be a challenge for her, but there are systems in place to help her be successful. What Jonelle learned in Cunningham’s Vocational Education program is how to navigate the systems once she is on her own. She learned how important it is to be her own advocate, to have the confidence to disclose her disability to a potential employer, and the many rights she has as a disabled worker. Almost her entire life, Jonelle has been told she has various mental challenges. First, at the age of five she was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), then in middle school she learned she had Asperger’s Syndrome. Jonelle understood that she had a special education program to follow and goals to meet; but she didn’t fully understand how that would affect her life once she finished school. Jonelle is like many other Cunningham youth who have completed their high school credits but are not quite ready for the next step. Through Cunningham’s Circle Academy Bridge to Independence program, they learn additional vocational education skills, gain on-the-job experience, and become knowledgeable about the Americans with Disabilities Act. “We try to empower our youth to understand their rights in education and the workplace,” explains Vocational Education Coordinator Mary Garman. “The kids are always amazed when I tell them how many celebrities like Tom Cruise, Cher, and Whoopi Goldberg have disabilities such as dyslexia and are successful because their employers have made accommodations for them.” Mary finds that when kids learn about famous people with disabilities it removes the stigma and helps the youth see that they can be successful too. Jonelle knows her disability is unique because it isn’t as obvious to others as a physical disability would be. She has learned that there are advantages and disadvantages to disclosing her disability to others, particularly in employment and educational settings. In the Bridge to Independence program, Jonelle learned as much as she could about her disability and her rights as a disabled worker. If at some point she chooses to disclose her disability to others, she can become their teacher. As Mary explains, “One of the most personal decisions a person with a disability will make is whether or not to disclose their disability.” At Cunningham, kids with disabilities are learning a valuable life lesson – their disability doesn’t define them, they define their disability. *Some identifying information has been changed to protect the identity of the youth. w w w. c u n n i n g h a m h o m e . o r g
a cornerstone of mastery When it comes to mastering a skill, there is no better tool to have in your toolbox than motivation. And that is precisely what 20-year-old Demario has found most beneficial to him as he develops work skills through Cunningham’s Vocational Education. “Demario has lots of initiative and has always wanted to move forward,” explains Mary Garman, Vocational Education Coordinator for Cunningham. Demario has been involved in the Vocational Education program for several years and he recently received the WIA (Workforce Investment Act) Worker of the Year Award for his dedication to meeting his defined goals. The program provides meaningful, paid employment experiences that would not normally be available to Cunningham youth. Paid employment is an incentive and a learning opportunity for the kids. Frequently, after beginning a job, their academic work improves and they learn important work skills such as communication, punctuality, and trustworthiness. Always choosing to excel at his job placements, Demario has worked at a construction company where he learned how to lay tile, paint, and install plumbing. Currently, he is winning over customers with his friendly personality and customer service skills as a shoe salesperson. He recently won a sales contest for selling the most shoes! “It’s been good to have a lot of support from staff which helps me be a better worker” Demario is all smiles after receiving the WIA Student of the Year award. Demario had to grow up fast when he arrived at Cunningham. He came with many personal challenges but he has taken responsibility for his previous behavior. He is serious about his treatment plan and is changing his life. In fact, Demario is doing so well learning to live independently that he has already saved some money, is planning to pursue a college education, and is taking charge of his future. Demario, it appears, is a natural salesman. “He is absolutely genuine and respectful toward everyone he meets,” says former Clinical Case Manager Angie Bertauski-Pierce. “When people meet Demario, they like him immediately!” In addition, Demario is a great mentor for the other youth in the Vocational Education program. He has done presentations for them about how to find a job, present yourself well, and overcome obstacles. “It’s been good to have a lot of support from staff which helps me be a better worker,” Demario explains with a sincere smile and great enthusiasm. “They also helped me motivate other kids who are in the same situation and are trying to do better.” w w w. c u n n i n g h a m h o m e . o r g 5
Page 1 and 2: Cornerstones Providing a strong fou
Page 3: Cunningham staff that she wanted to
Page 7 and 8: “ a cornerstone of Friendship Whe
Page 9 and 10: Independence: Amanda Hamilton, Nigh
Page 11 and 12: y Patti & John Stevenson Charles Ke
Page 13 and 14: y Dan Holmer by Helen & Jerry Jahn
Page 15 and 16: Connie & Bill Fulton by Sandy Lu &
Page 17 and 18: Second Century Cornerstones We hono
Page 19 and 20: 2011 Board of Directors Cathy Hensc

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