Well done Guy, we have a program at our local school that gets kids into the work place and real world experiences, I was asked to participate and mentor a young student, I run a small excavating Business and everyday is different in some way, it was a great experience for he and I over the course of a few months, He would come to work once a week with me and learn some life skills, talking with customers, solving problems and finding solutions, working with others, teamwork etc... it was a great time and something I will do again as it made me appreciative of what I have, and to give someone the opportunity to see, learn and bring a project to fruition, ( however small) is an accomplishment. At the end of the day I would stop at a local convienence store for at Snack of his choice, that boy could eat! Warms my heart to hear your story.
About 25 years ago when I was working as a vocational teacher, we were encouraged to take courses in special needs education. As part of one course, I was required to visit a sheltered workshop in Ashland, MA. The special needs people (not all were kids) packaged light bulbs for GE. these people either lived with their guardians, or in a home for special needs folks. They were paid piecework. I was told that one of the young men there actually made more money then his supervisor (which pi--ed off the supervisor no end) He was lightening fast packaging the bulbs or fluorescent tubes. When I put this in my report, my college instructor commented on the paper that this was obviously untrue. I asked her to call the workshop and find out for herself. She refused, so I called, told them what had happened, and asked them to put it in writing and mail it to the teacher. They said that they would, but by then the course was over. The teacher never called me to apologize.
Hats off to you sir, that’s what I’m talking about! Again anyone of us has the ability to help out these kids or older in life people. Just mention to your boss or owner where you work that these programs exist. True story, just yesterday Nick that very first special needs kid that I hired stopped in to say hi and to grab a headlight bulb and wiper blades for his very own car. One of my guys showed him how to install the headlight and Nick was able to install the wipers himself. Got to love a small town. Wish I would of posted this thread here a long time ago to the good people here.
I had no idea that a lot of us here were and are involved with these programs. For sure gives a warm feeling inside. Thanks!
Sounds pretty close to "Work Inc". that was in Quincy MA. Yes some worked at a fantastic paced and made good money.
Soooo cool! As a chaplain in juvenile detention finding someone who will reach out to youth before I get them is heartening. Because once they get to me so few want to help them escape the revolving door they are in they end up uneducated felons with no chance. God Bless You! Mikey
Ok, job interview went excellent with a new kid. And he started work right after. This little guy can talk! And joke around, actually very funny and witty. But by far the most challenged I ever worked with. My crew is having a blast with him already and he is actually catching on right away. He asked Chuck my main guy, all excited. "Can I put parts away?!" Chuck says "you have more ambition than Gabe! Gabe's one of our part timer high school kids...not challenged. FUNNY!
Ok Dylan, the new kid is really coming along. And may not need his assistant here shortly. His deal is he has what they call mini seizures, literally hundreds a day. So he has to wear a helmet just in case he passes out and falls...is what I am told. Not 100% sure of the helmet deal. I think he wears it as a "comfort". Because he is now taking it off. He lives for putting stock away. And just lights up the whole store along with customers for his two hours he's here. My guys are calling it "the Dylan show". And look forward to him coming in! He's not afraid to give a customer what he calls "the stink eye" when they say a bad word! And they all laugh. Quiet the character! From what I'm told these seizures cause brain scar tissue and "that" causes brain damage. So that is what he is dealing with.
..for those of you who may not know, this is Matthew 25:35... "for I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:" Wheelz, Tampa Bay
What a great read! Guy (and all the others who get involved), thanks so much for posting this. It's an inspiration and reminder that some things are so much bigger than the petty problems we sometimes sweat.
Thanks, it is much bigger problems than most of us have. And not to be too corny but yes, we all have our problems. I think it helps to deal with our problems to help other unfortunate people with theirs.
It's very heartening to read this thread. Shows just what an impact we can have on our fellow humans. Thanks for sharing this Guy. I used to teach people how to drive tractor trailers for a living. My first over the road trainee chased me down for six months to pass along his thanks for helping him sort out his life. He was a natural at the job, but didn't have much life direction and wanted to quit trucking right after his training ended. Seeing how my influence helped him remain in the industry was most humbling. That was over 20 years ago.
Love this thread! Guy, Thank You for what You do and for sharing! Thanks to all who have posted for showing just what a bunch of caring folks we have here. Let's keep this thread alive. Inspiring!
My mentioning the Work Inc. program reminded me of something Muscle car related. One guy who was pretty bad off told me story's of his 383 Road Runner and hitting a tree. Doesn't take much to put 2 and 2 together as why he was in his condition.. The saddest part was that was all he tried to talk about but still had joy about having that car in the day..
Wow, again thanks guys. If this thread could help another persons life that would be sooo cool. Hats off to Work Inc. And others in this thread.
What a great thread, thank you to all those who 'make a difference' I'm reminded of a doco I saw on a hospital for the criminally insane. One inmate was just so pleased and proud of himself because he's made a salad. First time in ages he'd been allowed with anything sharp, and he was so happy because he hadn't harmed himself or others.
So true... they really try harder than most just to overcome there inabilities. It’s breathtaking to watch them take on there tasks with pride. With this Covid-19 deal and the school shutdowns, I am sure this devastates them. Me and the crew really miss them.
