“Courage, kindness, friendship, character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.” - RJ Polacio
To our WRA & Project SEARCH Community,
As 2024 comes to a close we want to take this opportunity to reflect on the tremendous effort that our students make each and every day to not only improve themselves, but also to encourage, motivate and inspire those around them to do the same. Students have explored ways to understand kindness from a variety of perspectives this month. Lessons have focused on the “ five senses” of kindness to give students an opportunity to express what and how kindness can look, feel, and sound. Students also participated in a month-long kindness challenge in which they learned to make a conscious effort to keep small acts of kindness in the forefront of their thoughts and ideas. Students have been supported in finding ways while at school, home and out in the community to “pay it forward” in an effort to spread positivity and joy to those around them. We recognize that during the holiday season opportunities to spread kindness are more easily accessible. With that in mind, our students continue to volunteer weekly at a local food pantry to remind ourselves that we should always “do things for others, not because of who they are, or what they do in return, but because of who we are,” Harold S. Kushner.
Other highlights in the month of December included:
- The development of our two new WRA School-Based Enterprises - Soul Energy Vegan Granola and Furlicious pet treats. We are thrilled to have partnered with two local businesses - Soul Bowls in Scotch Plains and The Morning Roast in Cranford - who have both offered to showcase our products in their establishments.
- The students at Project SEARCH participated in a first ever modified Patient Care Technician/Nursing Assistant skills training where they learned how to take vital signs including temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation! The training was part of our ongoing participating in Atlantic Health System's Federal Grant to promote the training and hiring of more nurses and patient-facing staff across all hospitals including Overlook Medical Center in Summit.
- Our annual Student Holiday Party that brought together students from both of our programs for food, games (including Tracie's annual holiday Kahoot), and socialization!
Finally, please mark your calendars for Wednesday, January 15th. We will be hosting an "In Person" Provider Fair at the WRA. This is a great opportunity to come meet and speak with agencies who provide services to students and young adults with disabilities after they graduate from high school and leave our program. See the graphic below for more details and the QR Code/link to register.
Wishing all of our students and families - and our community partners and supporters - a joyful holiday season. Enjoy some time off, engage in self-care, and have a happy and healthy New Year!
Josh Bornstein, Director
Rachel Richer, Supervisor of Instruction
UCESC Work Readiness Academy
New Attendance Reporting Email!
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.
Staff Member of the Month: Deb Italiano
How long have you worked for UCESC?
This is my 2nd year as a Teaching Assistant.
What do you love best about your job?
Working out in the community with the students, and building new relationships.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Bingo, bingo, and more bingo!
What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?
I took graphic design at UCVTS during high school, and have been a graphic designer for 44 years!
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, 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
Yoga Elective
About the Work Readiness Academy
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
