Work Readiness Academy

To our WRA & Project SEARCH Community,

Thank you to all of our families who attended our November online Parent Workshop on "Applying for SSI & Medicaid" in New Jersey. We also want to thank our presenter, Ms. Jerisa Maseko, the Director of Planning for Adult Life at the Arc of New Jersey's Family Institute and WRA Social Worker Nicole DellaVecchia for coordinating this informative event. We have two other events planned for early 2025. You can find more details in our Community Resources section below.

This month we were excited to launch a new partnership with Ty and the team at DSW Discount Shoe Warehouse in Union Plaza. This new Work-Based Learning site will provide our students with the chance to learn entry-level skills needed to be successful in a retail clothing environment including re-stocking items, organizing and displaying merchandise, taking inventory, and greeting and assisting customers.

We would like to congratulate WRA Teaching Assistant Sarah Cooke for passing her Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Certification Test and Competency Test! Sarah will be the WRA's first ever RBT and a valuable new support to our entire staff.

As the holiday season approaches we have taken time this month to not only look to the future by setting both short and long term goals, but also to reflect on the incredible journey we have had up until this point. Gratitude has been at the forefront of our discussions as well as the inspiration for activities we have planned. Students have begun to develop an intentional awareness and appreciation for the positive aspects of life. This is ever present in our elective classes where students continue to explore and deepen their interests in the areas of art, design, and mindfulness during weekly yoga classes. Although we are always looking for ways to improve and grow, we have taken time this month to focus on staying present, feeling positive, and staying grounded in the now. This has allowed us to learn how to become thankful for the everyday moments that we are lucky to experience.

Please enjoy the rest of this November edition of our newsletter and we at the Work Readiness Academy wish all of our families a happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the small moments with each other, make new memories, and celebrate all that is yet to come!

With Gratitude,

Josh Bornstein, Director ("Sully")

Rachel Richer, Supervisor of Instruction ("Mike")

UCESC Work Readiness Academy

Enrollment as of November 26, 2024

Actual: 26

Changes: Entered: 0 Exited: 0

Referrals: 2 (SY 2024-25)

Intakes Scheduled: 2

Accepted: TBD

11/13/24 - Fire Drill

11/14/24 - Shelter in Place

December 13, 2024 - WRA Community Trip to the Jersey Gardens Mall

December 19, 2024 - WRA & SEARCH Student Holiday Party

December 20, 2024 - Early Dismissal - 1:00 PM

December 23, 2024 - January 1, 2025 - School Closed - Winter Recess

January 2, 2025 - School Reopens

In the event that your child will be absent, arriving late, or picked up early, please send us an email at AttendanceWRA@ucesc.org. You may also call our main number at (908) 633-2704. If it is before 8am, please leave a message.

Congratulations to Nicky L. for being selected as the Work Readiness Academy’s November Student of the Month! Nicky has demonstrated both flexibility and open mindedness this month as he transitioned to a new work-based learning experience. Nicky has been dedicated and hard working as he has learned new tasks and routines. Nicky asks for help and clarification when he needs it, and is always willing to help his teammates both in the classroom and out in the community! Well done Nicky! We are all very proud of you!

The interns at Project SEARCH participated in their first Employment Planning Meetings of the new school year. The students facilitated their meetings and spoke about their current internships, their strengths and areas for improvement, as well as possible placements for the next rotation. Families also heard feedback from our on-site team that includes myself, Fonati Julu and Eileen Michie, our two on-site Skills Trainers.

In the classroom, the students learned about many important topics including similarities and differences between jobs and careers. They also studied self-advocacy and voting rights for individuals with disabilities. Other topics discussed included wants vs. needs, and various types and pros and cons of different types of employment. Just in time for Thanksgiving, the students read an article called The Science of Gratitude and found that being grateful can promote good health and well being. The students are also looking forward to learning about Native American Heritage Month.

The students will begin working on their resumes and interviewing skills in the next few weeks. This will help prepare them for informal interviews with Overlook Hospital managers before their second internship rotation begins. We are looking forward to practicing and role playing these important skills.

- Jourdan Spencer. Project SEARCH

The Project SEARCH Program at Overlook Medical Center is now in its 9th year. Applications for the Class of 2026 (cohort begins in the Fall of 2025) are now open. Applications for the Project SEARCH program are accepted on a rolling basis between November 1st and May 1st.

We are offering virtual information sessions prospective students, families, or referring school district staff on the following dates:

Tuesday, December 10th from 7-8pm

Tuesday, January 28th from 7-8pm

Tuesday, February 25th from 7-8pm

Please email us at projectsearch@ucesc.org to register and we will send you a Google Meet link.

For more information about Project SEARCH, or to access the application for the Class of 2026, please visit:

https://www.ucesc.org/schools/the-work-readiness-academy/project-search

Last year we launched a Yearbook Elective class and it was a huge success! A creative team of students worked hard to design and assemble a final product that showcased highlights of our program. This year, we hope to use last year's template, and a new team to create an even better masterpiece!

We have begun a new initiative this school year by recognizing our faculty and staff for their countless efforts and unconditional support, encouragement, compassion, and kindness towards our students, their families and each other. Staff selected will each receive a special pin for their ID lanyard that represents that month’s theme. Building administration will choose staff members that exemplify the monthly theme as well as contribute in moving their programs forward with positivity and commitment to excellence. We were pleased to recognize the following staff this month:

Tracie Wiebush, Teaching Assistant (pictured)

Jodi Klimko, Teacher (pictured)

Deb Italiano, Teaching Assistant (pictured)

Carina Servello, Teaching Assistant (pictured)

Shalini Ascalon, School Nurse (not pictured)

Sarah Cooke, Teaching Assistant (not pictured)

It was great to run into former WRA student Melissa who is now in her 5th year working in the laundry and housekeeping department at the Hilton Garden Inn in Springfield, New Jersey!

We all loved Ben's "Bad Biker Dude" costume for our Halloween Party!

The Shining Stars Network's Annual Christmas Spectacular is next week! Several former WRA & Project SEARCH students continue to perform with the group. You won't want to miss this show! Ticket information is below.

The new #2NDFLOOR app for NJ youth is here! It only takes a second to get free 24/7 mental health support with one-on-one chat, helpline, community conversations, and more. Get started at

2NDFLOOR.org/download #mentalhealth #support.

At 18 years old all individuals, including those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, reach the legal age of majority. This means that parents can no longer make decisions legally on behalf of their children. See the attached fact shet from the Arc of New Jersey for more information about Guardianship and various alternative options.

The Work Readiness Academy serves students ages 18-21 with disabilities and provides a comprehensive employment training experience that incorporates both classroom-based instruction and community-based work-learning experiences. While in the training classroom, students work cooperatively with similar aged peers to learn critical skills related to employment and socialization. Students also work on career exploration and planning, including the development of a person-centered, post-secondary vision and plan with clear goals and action steps. Program staff remain on-site during the internships to provide and fade support and assistance as needed. Students also participate in field trips focused on career discovery, independent living skills, recreation and independent travel training.

For more information or to make a student referral, please email Rachel Richer at rricher@ucesc.org

Email: jbornstein@ucesc.org
Website: https://www.ucesc.org/schools/the_work_readiness_academy
Location: 970 Suburban Road, Union, NJ, USA
Phone: 908-633-2704