The Center of Hope Foundation, Inc., a non-profit human service agency serving adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities began Partners for Positions, a six-week Internship Program. Arc at Work, a $12,000 grant received from the Walmart Foundation, has made the Internship Program possible. This program allows program members to work in a unified work environment while gaining new skills outside of the agency’s small businesses. The agency’s mission is to assist individuals in meeting their goals for meaningful and productive living and to facilitate the development of each person’s confidence and self-esteem crucial for one’s growth and development. Partners for Positions is a way for program members to work towards gaining confidence to succeed.

Currently program members are interning at the Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center. Skills such as laundry, housekeeping, dishes, time management and organization are all being learned. Emily who is a part of the internship said, “I love working at the hotel. My favorite thing to do is laundry. I enjoy meeting new people and hope that after the internship is complete that they will hire me.” Another program member said that “he enjoys having to wear a uniform and get ready for work every day”.

Alexandria Kwasek, Director of Employment Services, says, “The internships goal is to broaden individual’s horizons and learn something new”. Serving over 200 individuals the Center of Hope’s Vocational Program is always searching for new employment opportunities for program members. If you are interested in learning more about Partners for Positions and how your business can also benefit please contact the Center of Hope Foundation at (508)764-4085.