Work Readiness Academy

Dear WRA Families & Supporters,

“Reflection… looking back so the view looking forward is clearer” -unknown

As our school year comes to a close we want to take this time to look back on our journey to remind ourselves that progress and growth is not always noticeable in the moment. While reflecting we are able to focus on our successes and take pride in the effort, commitment, and dedication it took to not only meet our goals, but to exceed them! As this chapter in our lives comes to a close we want to remind our school community that although this feels like an ending, it is also an exciting new beginning! We are so very proud that our students are ready to set out to become the very best version of themselves, inspiring all those they meet and work with, that anything is possible! No matter the direction they chose, the path they take, or how far they go, we here at the Work Readiness Academy (and Project SEARCH) will always be home. We want to thank our students, staff, and families for an unforgettable year filled with memories and joy that will last a lifetime.

Just a reminder that our Extended School Year (ESY) program (for approved students) begins on Monday, June 30th! Students should dress comfortably and bring lunch and a water bottle. Please contact us on Thursday at dblajsa@ucesc.org if you have not yet heard from your transportation provider.

Please enjoy the last newsletter of the school year, including some pictures from our graduation and year-end recognition ceremonies.

Wishing you all a restful and relaxing summer!

Josh Bornstein, Director

Rachel Richer, Supervisor of Instruction

UCESC Work Readiness Academy

June 30 - Extended School Year (ESY) Program Begins

July 4 - ESY Program Closed (Independence Day)

August 8 - ESY Program Ends

September 5 - First Day of School for SY 2025-26

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.

Thank you to all of our families, friends and staff at the WRA for attending our Year End Recognition Ceremony and Graduation on Wednesday, June 18th! We were pleased to honor our two "Community Business Partners of the Year" - Cake Artist Cafe (Cranford, NJ and Jewish Family Services of Central New Jersey (Elizabeth, NJ).

Congratulations to this year's graduating class:

Penelope

David

Hernan

Ben

Alejandro

We also want to wish Charlie and Alfi good luck next year as they transition to the Project SEARCH program at Overlook Medical Center!

Graduation for the Project SEARCH Class of 2025 was held in the Bouras Auditorium at Overlook Medical Center on Monday, June 16th! We are so very proud of this year's group of interns:

Eeshan

Lucy

Christian

Shannon

Alvin

Sadiyah

Andy

Layla

Wishing you all success as your pursue competitive employment following your intensive training at the hospital. We know you will all do great things!

Our graduates and those students who are transitioning from the WRA to Project SEARCH enjoyed a special "outing" to downtown Westfield that included an hour of fun at Yestercades and lunch at DiFarina Pizzeria!

This school year, our students had the opportunity to take their learning out into the community through a series of Community-Based Instruction (CBI) trips. These real-world experiences were designed to teach practical life skills, build independence, and reinforce classroom lessons—all while having fun and exploring the world around us!

A major highlight of our CBI program was travel training. Students learned how to navigate the community using New Jersey Transit buses, gaining confidence and essential skills in public transportation safety, scheduling, and etiquette. Each trip had a unique learning goal:

• At Lowe’s Hardware Store, students explored home improvement tools and materials, learning how to find items and ask for help.
• A visit to Ashley Furniture challenged students to design and furnish both a bedroom and a living room—putting decision-making and budgeting skills to the test.
• We visited a local laundromat, Bubbles & Baskets in Kenilworth, where students learned the step-by-step process of doing laundry, from sorting clothes to selecting wash settings based on reading clothing labels, folding and ironing.
• A trip to Marshalls focused on clothing choices. Students shopped for outfits for different life scenarios, including casual wear, business attire, and fancy occasions—a fun and practical way to learn about appropriate dress.
• Our grocery store visit to the Clark ShopRite was extra exciting thanks to their interactive food carts, which allowed students to experience a more engaging way of shopping while applying money skills.
• At Blue Foundry Bank, located in the Vermella Shopping Complex, students got a behind-the-scenes look at banking. They learned about the differences between checking and savings accounts, the documents required to open an account, and how to use ATMs—both at the bank and off-site at a QuickChek location.
• A stop at CVS offered insight into the resources available at local pharmacies, including over-the-counter medications, prescriptions, and health essentials.
• We wrapped up our CBI year with a visit to Kean University, where students practiced map skills while navigating the campus. Students used both paper maps and google maps to find different buildings and structures on our campus.

Each trip was planned to build independence, social skills, and real-world experience. While we had plenty of fun along the way, these adventures also planted the seeds of confidence and capability in our students. We’re so proud of all they’ve learned and pushing outside their comfort zone (and mine!) in using public transportation.

Jodi Klimko

Work Readiness Academy Teacher & WBL Supervising Teacher

Anthony on a price-finding mission at Ashley Furniture

Alfi found the perfect pair of pants on our trip to Marshall's

Alfi & Penelope getting advice from customer service at Blue Foundry Bank

The amount of growth, confidence, and skills the students have displayed this school year has been amazing. The students were able to practice and improve on the various soft and hard skills learned in the classroom and transfer them to their internships out in the community. They identified their post secondary goals to help guide them as they progressed through the school year and helped them identify what they would like to do after they leave our program. The amount of teamwork, hard work, and fun displayed was an absolute joy to be a part of! No matter what the Friday community trip was, the Friday elective they chose, or the class trip/special event the students participated in, they were focused, creative, and engaged throughout! Thanks for a wonderful year!

Sharlene McQuade

Work Readiness Academy Teacher & WBL Instructor and Coordinator

Marshmallow Team Building Challenge

Anthony and Hernan in the mix of creating "Furlicious" Treats

Ben F. enjoying his WBL at Bovella's

Matt and Kevin doing their part in the kitchen

Kiya and Alfi are Fieldtrip Friends!

Matt and Steven setting up some veggies in our Hydroponic Gardens

We are excited to announce Ben as our June student of the month! Ben has made tremendous progress in all areas during his time at the Work Readiness Academy! His perseverance, determination, and grit is always on display when he learns new skills, and with support and encouragement, Ben has been able to overcome any obstacles in his way. Ben demonstrates his ability to use his voice to advocate for what he needs to be successful, as well as expresses his thoughts and feelings when he needs help. Ben has made lasting friendships with his kind smile and genuine care for others. He keeps us all laughing with his wit and humor and with his persistence and drive has taught us all that nothing is impossible! Congratulations Ben!

How long have you worked for UCESC?

16 years

What do you love best about your job?

The positive impact that my students have over me and the great results we achieve together.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to travel, read, watch tennis, soccer etc.

What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?

I was born in Bulgaria

Charlie at ShopRite in Clark

Ben at Kean University Athletics

Kevin at Walgreen's in Cranford

Matt at Atlantic Health Overlook Union Emergency Department

Alejandro at Toast in Downtown Cranford

David at Walgreen's in Union

This month we are pleased to spotlight South Avenue Dental.

This is the third year that South Avenue Dental has been hosting student interns from the Work Readiness Academy. Dr. Patel and her staff are always friendly and supportive of our students during their work-based learning experiences. Interns from the WRA have had the chance to learn how to sterilize equipment, reset dental procedure rooms, re-stock supplies, and assemble patient bags.

South Avenue Dental is a fun and vibrant place to be - it feels more like visiting a friend's house than your neighborhood dental office!

To learn more about South Avenue dental, please visit: www.southavenuedental.com or call (908) 721-5510 to schedule an appointment!

The 3rd Annual "WRA and Project SEARCH Got Talent" exceed our expectations. We are so proud of all of the students and staff who took a risk and put themselves on stage to share their talents with our community - including singing, dancing, playing guitar or piano, telling jokes, and showing off personal artwork. Many thanks to our incredible stage crew as well that helped behind the scenes.

Click this link to watch our highlight reel:

https://youtu.be/EI38ExETzxg

Can't wait until next year!

Great to run into former WRA Student, Eric, who has been employed at Walgreens in Cranford for 10 years!

Josh & Betty had way too much fun at the WRA's Got Talent Show performing their version of Hakuna Matata from the Lion King

The Sensory Friendly Summer Camp will run from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. during the week of August 18th through August 22nd, and will be held at the Trailside Nature and Science Center, located at 452 New Providence Road in Mountainside.

LEARN MORE...
Prospective campers must be Union County residents with a documented disability, demonstrating independence in basic self-care tasks, such as using the toilet and feeding themselves. While the camp warmly welcomes individuals who may require occasional prompting or redirection, it is not suitable for those with a history of fleeing, aggressive, or threatening behavior, who require restraints to manage or stop behaviors, or who require 1:1 staffing.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN and space is limited. The application does not guarantee enrollment. In order to ensure compatibility and accommodate individual needs, the camp administration will conduct interviews prior to admission. The administration reserves the right to determine whether they can adequately meet the needs of the applicants.

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