In partnership with Boca West Country Club, Unicorn Children’s Foundation and Unicorn Village Academy will launch a job training internship program for young adults with disabilities in August of 2018. Interns will range in age from 17-24 years of age who have an intellectual or developmental disability which makes it statistically more difficult for them to find jobs upon completion of high school. The unemployment rate for youth with disabilities is approximately 80% despite their ability and willingness to work. With the launch of the Project SEARCH site at Boca West Country Club, it is expected that at least 74% of interns will find competitive and meaningful employment following graduation.
Students should currently be enrolled in a Palm Beach County, Broward County or other private school and be interested in increasing independence, confidence and self-esteem while learning competitive, transferable, and marketable job skills.
Student Eligibility Criteria: • Appropriate hygiene, social and communication skills • Ability to take direction and change behavior • Eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation • Access public transportation • Pass drug screen, background check, immunizations - whatever is required of other employees • Desire to Work!
Note: Application is not interactive. Must be printed and mailed.
Testimonials
Below is an email that was received from one of the applicants for next year’s class at Boca West Country Club. Emily is currently in a boarding school in Massachusetts. Sharon met her parents at the SNAC Housing Solutions Summit who approached her in tears wondering what would happen to their daughter when she ages out. They flew her down specifically for the skills assessment day and, if accepted, they will be relocating her to Boca to be part of this program.
Dear Ms.Falconer and Ms. Alexander,
Thank you for allowing me to go to participate in the Skills Assessment Day at Boca West Country Club, I thought each of the tasks there were interesting. After I graduate from Riverview School, I would like the opportunity to continue my work-training growth with you please. I look forward to hearing back from you. It was nice seeing you and all the staff today.
Sincerely, Emily
Another story from the Skills Assessment Day: We had an applicant who 6 years ago required a personal aide and had a code word when his behavior became uncontrollable at his previous school. Additionally, most of his conversations revolved around Disney movie scripts. After attending Unicorn Village Academy for the past 5 years, he now takes Uber to a part-time job where he recently received a raise following his performance review. At the assessment, he was identified as the top pick by all department managers. Some of the characteristics that were shared included: self-starter, critical self-checker, best conversationalist, detail oriented, and meticulous.