The Center of Hope Foundation, Inc., a non-profit human service agency serving adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, has provided a second session of Partners for Positions, a six-week internship program, to program members. This program is funded through the Arc @ Work, a $12,000 grant that was received from the Walmart Foundation. Allowing program members to work in a unified work environment to gain the skills needed to obtain meaningful and paid employment.
In the first session three program members held an internship at the Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center. Here they learned laundry, dishes, time management, organization and hospitality. At the end of the session one of the interns was offered a job and continues to grow and “love it”.
The Southbridge Hotel & Conference Center enjoyed having the interns for the first session that they wanted to be included in the second session. This time the Center was able to send another three program members; Laura Douty, Erin Power, and Chris Lund. Just like the first session the interns learned laundry, dishes, time management, organization and hospitality. They have continued to learn new skills and have become independent with these tasks.
Harrington Healthcare System, in Southbridge, also is involved in the second session of Partners for Positions. Kelly Parker began her internship doing transports which entails transporting specimens and sterile supplies between the different departments within the hospital. April Parzych, IT Application Analyst in the Communication Department & Transport, reported that Kelly takes initiative, has a great demeanor and is dedicated. Kelly takes pride and has been recognized by staff for going above and beyond. Following the internship, Kelly Parker was offered a per diem position that can consist of up to 40 hours a week.
Harrington Hospital was impressed with the program and stated that they look forward to welcoming additional interns.
If you are interested in learning more about our internship program, Partners for Positions, please call us at (508) 764-4085 or visit www.thecenterofhope.org.
