A "Magical Morning" with our Supported Employment Program
One of BSA's lesser-known programs is our Supported Employment program. I (Hallie) decided to visit Tina's property one morning to see the program in action while doing a bit of volunteering myself along with a former student of mine who wanted to come see our facility. Individuals with special needs who have graduated tend to be a neglected population. Although there are many programs for them while they are in school, once they graduate, options are limited to employers who are willing to take them on as employees. Many organizations do not understand the value of hiring individuals with disabilities, but we know that there is so much potential in them! People with special needs can be some of the best workers if an employer is willing to take the time to train them because they can typically have a great attitude about working and do not mind repetitive work that involves staying in a routine. It does so much for their confidence too, especially when they get that first paycheck! We are looking forward to when we have the ability to expand this program because we have many ideas about how to build job skills for the young men and women involved. Some of our vision for this program down the road besides maintaining our property include growing a garden, helping to host events, cooking, sewing, and much more! The sky is the limit to the job skills we will be able to teach once we get our Acres.
Back to that Tuesday morning, I was greeted when I pulled up just before 8 AM by Erin Pevey who is a volunteer and participant in our therapeutic riding program, along with volunteers Larry Fort, Pam Moore and job coach, Karen Signal. They had already fed the horses and were waiting on Matthew, who is a staff member at Blue Sky Acres and also happens to have Down Syndrome. Matthew arrived shortly along with the young man I was meeting up with, Sebastian.
Everyone immediately got to work and knew exactly what they had to do! Matthew had poop duty, while Erin cleaned water troughs and got the hay ready in hay bags. Sebastian and I decided to do some tack cleaning which is something that does not always get done regularly because there is not enough time. I also had the chance to talk with his mother as we were there cleaning tack. He graduated from school a year ago and is now going to work with his dad. She was very excited to hear about B&B care services and some of the options they have to find employment for individuals with special needs.
I was especially impressed while watching Matthew, who after assisting Larry with cleaning the fields, stood confidently by the barn, making hand motions to tell Larry which way to go as he was backing up the Ranger. Later, Larry worked with Matthew to put up a shelf in the feed room and I watched as Matthew confidently used the drill. I commented on how good he was doing and he puffed out his chest with a lot of confidence! Another skill that volunteers are working on with him is communication. When he began working with us, he was very quiet but now he is very talkative! Larry calls Matthew a couple of times a week and they have a short conversation which helps to improve his verbal communication. Matthew currently works for Blue Sky Acres two days a week.
Erin started volunteering with us over the summer a couple of days a week. She graduated a couple of years ago and has done volunteer work at some other places but really loves to be outside and around the horses. Erin also has a fantastic memory and as her instructor in lessons, she is often the one that keeps me straight!
The day ended with some fun as Sebastian was able to groom Hugo, the biggest horse at Tina's place who is also a gentle giant. While Sebastian did that, Karen brought out a guitar and Ukelele and was teaching Erin and Matthew to play. It was such an amazing atmosphere as we were serenaded by the music and Karen taught them to play a couple of different chords. Below you can see a video of the first time Matthew picked up the guitar!
Later I got a text from Sebastian's mom saying that it was a "magical morning" and I completely agree! I look forward to growing this program and being able to do more of this!
Matthew's First Time
Playing the Guitar