Supported Employment Spotlight: Penn State Behrend
Each Monday, we share stories that reflect our commitment to providing hope and opportunity to individuals and families across our communities. This post is written by Julia Karvelis, a communications intern at Barber National Institute who is exploring how storytelling can connect people to our mission.
We visited Logan earlier this year, an individual in the Supported Employment program, at Penn State Behrend’s Erie Hall.
When visiting Penn State Behrend, we met Logan, a stellar employee of the supported employment program, his job coach Reed, as well as his supervisor Kelly, and his coworker Chuck. When we arrived, we were greeted by Logan, his team, and their emotional support dog Millie. Logan showed us the daily checklist his supervisor creates for him, and he began to show us how he completes his tasks. After ensuring that the cleaning wipes were full throughout the gym, Logan went to cross it off of his checklist. While doing his tasks, Chuck and his other coworkers create games to make the activities more enjoyable for them all. After all his other tasks are completed, Logan can end the day with his favorite activities, shooting basketball hoops or having a dance party. Outside of work, Logan is very active in the community; he is a part of the Special Olympics and volunteers his time at the Zoo. For fun, Logan enjoys playing golf and hanging out at home, where he has a younger sister. When asked, Logan said he loves coming to work every day, and he really likes everyone he works with, especially during the school year when the students and other staff are there.
Logan’s job coach Reed mentioned that Logan is quite a celebrity at Erie Hall, and everyone in their community looks forward to seeing him. Logan has a shining personality and is known for being a very reliable and loyal employee. Reed has also recognized that the staff at Erie Hall has been a natural support to Logan every day. Since starting with Barber National Institute in April, Reed has had the opportunity to work with a few other individuals in the Supported Employment program. He adds that “no two days are the same” and that he enjoys moving between job locations; he frequents Erie Hall, some fast-food and restaurant locations, and manufacturing centers. Reed notes that this job has helped him feel a greater part of the community; it has allowed him to get to know more people. He said that being a job coach in the supported Employment program is a great job; it is incredibly rewarding to support the individuals to a point where they no longer need a job coach. The goal of the supported employment program is to eventually fade out of the job coaches and allow individuals independence to work successfully on their own. Reed feels much joy being a part of their journey and success. He loves to see their growth as they move from small group employment to the community. He said that individuals typically share with him how much they truly love their job. He has created fond memories with Logan and other members of the supported employment community. His favorite memories to make with Logan are when they can bond while doing tasks that allow them the opportunity to talk and connect, and when the two play basketball together.
Logan has a huge interest in sports and fitness, as he is participating in the Special Olympics program. Logan and his supervisor Kelly have begun planning workouts together to help them both stay active and energized. Kelly is looking to begin a partnership between Penn State Behrend and the Special Olympics, to pair a college student with a member of the Special Olympics to work out together, to foster relationships and create a healthy fitness journey between the pairs.
Barber National Institute’s Part:
Barber National Institute provides trained staff for the Supported Employment program, known as Job Coaches. These Job Coaches work with individuals to guide them throughout their workday and foster a positive relationship between the individual and workplace staff. These Job Coaches are meant to slowly fade out of their role, as the individual gets more comfortable, and gains more independence in their workplace.
Barber National Institute’s Mission with Supported Employment:
The Supported Employment program helps support Barber National Institutes mission; to ensure individuals with disabilities are awarded the same opportunities to be an active member of their community, as anyone else. This program also encourages individuals in the program., to live as freely as possible, and make their own active choices. This program creates a bridge between Barber National Institute and the workplaces surrounding it; to spread awareness of the positive work we do at Barber National Institute.