June 29, 2016

by: Renee Canfield

Jesse

Oakleaf, A Center of Excellence for Adults, offers programs that operate with a presumption of employability for people with disabilities: meaningful work is available for every individual who wants to work at a level that meets their needs. Program staff work with each individual to identify their interests and employment goals, as well as developing their workplace skills, to encourage them to continue their growth and become more independent.  One of our clients, Jesse, is a great example how the tiered approach of our employment programs helps people to obtain a job with the least restrictions.

Jesse began his journey with Oakleaf Transition Services as part of the 2012 and 2013 Summer Youth Work Experience. This program allows transition-age high school students with disabilities the opportunity to explore different careers to find what they’re interested in and to build job-related skills to help them on whatever path they choose. After Jesse graduated from high school in 2014, he began in the OakLeaf Job Training Services program where he worked on packaging, sorting, shredding documents and even tried some janitorial work.

In June of 2015, Jesse felt he was ready to try working in the community and attended the Cuyahoga County Board of Development Disabilities’ Cleveland Crops farming program.  Although Jesse was certainly able to perform the work, it was discovered that he works best in a work group with a supervisor to help him remain on task. Jesse briefly returned to UCP’s Job Training Services  until October when an opportunity became available for an assessment at OakLeaf Partner’s Reese Pharmaceutical Supported Employment Site.  Jesse flourished under the supervision of Site Supervisor, Antoinette Henry.  However, a permanent position at Reese was not available at that time. In January of 2016, Jesse moved on to another assessment at the Supported Employment Site at Oatey SCS where he is now wowing them with his excellent work skills and can-do attitude.

OakLeaf Partner’s is proud to announce that, as of April 11, 2016, Jesse has been hired in the Supported Employment group at Oatey Manufacturing. He has continued to increase his skill set and has begun building relationships with his co-workers as well as many Oatey staff and management. Jesse has expressed his satisfaction with his job and looks forward to going every day. Jesse’s supervisor at Oatey, Charlie Freed, states, “He gets along very well with co-workers and is a big asset to the Oatey team. He has a willingness to learn new tasks and does so quickly. Jess is always smiling and happy when he comes to work.”

---