Graduating into a job

Graduating from college is no doubt a landmark in any person's life.  For Ron, it meant much more.  About five years ago, Ron joined the agency's College Experience program at Hobart & William Smith Colleges in Geneva.  This innovative program is right on campus, giving participants the opportunity to get involved in any college activity -- from student activities organizations to special interest clubs.  The people who attend the program also get the advantage of auditing college classes alongside their peers.  In addition, the program helps its participants expand their life, social and work skills through customized curricula and internships in any field of interest.

Ron took advantage of all of these options.  He audited several classes and participated in campus life.  Ron even had the chance to spend the night at the colleges' O'Dell's Village -- a townhouse complex on HWS campus.  All of these event cultivated into one big event -- his completion of the College Experience program and joining his friends in the colleges' commencement exercises this past May.

But, it doesn't end there.  Ron's recent internships with the Canandaigua Y's Child Watch Center turned into a job.  He now works there part time and receives assistance from Abbey Employment Services through his job coach, Bonnie Ross. 

Another great story and another great reason why we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month.