York Town News
JOBS program helps students make transition to working world
By Melissa Wood
York High School junior Ryan Price is pictured here with a red-tailed hawk at the Center for Wildlife. Price had just given fresh water to the hawks and other raptors as part of the various jobs he does at the center through York High School’s JOBS (Journey Out Beyond School) program.
Photo by Melissa Wood
YORK - Juniors and seniors who take part in the JOBS (Journey Out Beyond School) program at York High School are encouraged to try at least two different places, but junior John Powell already has three jobs at the same time.
Special Education teacher Lora Lenehan, who created the program as part of the life skills curriculum's vocational component, said the program's goal is for students to acquire the job skills they need to transfer from school life to adult life.
Students are paired up with education technicians and go to work at various businesses around York. Currently senior Mike Spencer works at Hannaford, junior Ryan Price works at the Center for Wildlife, junior Chris Blaisdell works at York Hospital and Powell works at the Union Bluff Hotel, York Hospital and the Bagel Basket.
"He was at the Union Bluff, and they wanted him to stay there," explained Lenehan who said that since students are encouraged to try more than one job, Powell also picked up York Hospital.
The people at Bagel Basket got to know Powell when he and his education technician began stopping there regularly for coffee after his shift on the way back to the school. They offered Powell a free coffee when he stopped by if he took care of their cardboard recycling, and now he takes care of other odd jobs such as stocking the chip shelves and drink machines.
Lenehan said having the JOBS opportunity gives the students a new sense of self, apparent in how they carry themselves and interact with other students.
"For them to understand that they can have a job ... you see a real boost in self-esteem and confidence in themselves," said Lenehan.
The students spend three hours, every other day at their jobs. Because the program is part of the curriculum, the students work during the school day. Lenehan said each one of the students has goals that he is working toward.
"For some of them it's as simple as making eye contact and initiating conversation," she said. For others the goals are geared toward their specific jobs, such as learning how to bag groceries.
Price, who previously worked at Foster's Clambake, said that Lenehan suggested he try out the Center for Wildlife in Cape Neddick.
"I said, sure, I'd like to come here," said Price who does various jobs including cleaning cages and feeding the animals.
Price said there was snow on the ground the day he first started and had a tour around the facility, but now as the weather gets better he is spending more and more time outdoors.
Price said the work at the center isn't difficult but can be messy. He said he's had the privilege of cleaning up seagulls - one of which was covered in oil. He's gotten to know the center's permanent residents: animals that are unable to be returned to the wild. He said he liked animals and enjoyed the people at the center but has other ideas for his career.
"I enjoy cooking," said Price. "I do a lot of cooking at home, which is good."
Lenehan said it is often difficult for students to transition to adult services, which have many waiting lists, after high school. Often students don't have anything to go to and must wait a couple years, sometimes losing the skills they acquired in school.
"One of the hardest things is making sure the transition with adult services is in place, and set up with students," said Lenehan, who needs to match different students up with different services.
She said the JOBS program first received funding two years ago. For the first year the students focused on job readiness skills, social skills, such as introducing themselves, starting conversations with others, asking questions, writing resumes and filling out interest surveys to match their skills with their interests.
That first year, the students also worked on community service projects, including a 911 project where students made sure that houses and businesses were appropriately numbered so emergency vehicles would be able to quickly find them. They also worked with local churches to find seniors who would need help with fall yard cleanup, and planted a garden at the town farm.
Lenehan said the program would not be possible if it were not for the businesses who participate. Those include York Hospital, Coastal Landscaping, Hannaford, Union Bluff, Center for Wildlife, Bagel Basket and Foster's Clambake.
"These businesses have been unbelievably supportive of these kids, and they've been very willing to work with us," said Lenehan.
Special Education teacher Mary Mace said after a recent workshop she felt that many businesses may have small but essential jobs, such as stuffing envelopes, that the students can do for them.
"I came away realizing any place of business is an opportunity," she said.
Businesses interested in participating in the JOBS program are encouraged to contact Lora Lenehan at the High School at 363-3621 or by email at llenehan@yorkschools.org.
