Maine's CHOICES CEO Project
Events that took place for Maine DMD 2008
Aroostook and Washington Counties: By Kent DeMerchant, Disability Program Navigator
The Disability Mentoring Day activities in Aroostook and Washington counties were marked by five separate events spread throughout the month of October. The events were planned in partnership with Jeanne Bugbee from the Maine Transitions Network in Aroostook County, Gayla Dwyer of Aroostook Mental Health Center/Maine Medical, Michael Jordan of Aroostook County Action Program, Atricia Emerson of the Machias Career Center, Lorinda Joy from Maine Transitions Network in Washington County, Jackie Stanly from the Maine Parent Federation, Sandi Mickel from Vocational Rehabilitation in Washington County and Kent DeMerchant the Local Disability Program Navigator. The following is a list of events by the date they occurred.
October 2, 2008. Job Club was an event in partnership with Jeanne Bugbee from the local Transitions program. This event brought together 7 youth in transitions that have disabilities each Thursday throughout the month of October from 3:30 pm to 4:45. Each meeting featured a different topic. The first meeting was designed to introduce the event and the members and do some short activities that helped “break the ice” and give an introduction of the events throughout the month. The second session was at the Mall after the DMD event. During this event, kids participated in a scavenger hunt that was designed to get them to meet employers and employees at the mall. The third event was run by the youth counselor for WIA who gave a presentation on resumes and interviewing skills. The Division of the Blind and Visually Impaired sent Belinda Ouellette to discuss their services for people who have visual impairments who are seeking employment. The last session included an overview of Career Center services along with a demonstration of assistive technology that is available.
October 9, 2008. On this day, members of the Career Center, Vocational Rehabilitation, Maine Transition Network and AMHC/Maine Med set up displays at the Presque Isle Mall to advertise and discuss services available for people with disabilities to get employment. Staff were on hand all day to answer questions and have discussions with people who dropped by.
October 15, 2008. Wal-Mart had invited the local DPN to organize and set up and staff displays from providers in the area who promote employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Due to a misunderstanding in policy, we did not find out that staff could work inside the Wal-Mart building until last minute. With the help of ACAP and VR staff, a display was set up to promote Career Center employment opportunities along with Maine Med’s Community Work Incentives Program, the local Transitions program and Maine Parent Federation. It was noted that throughout the day, several brochures and flyers had been taken. All of the CWIC brochures were gone.
October 21, 2008. This was the main DMD event for Aroostook County and was marked by a daylong workshop at the Presque Isle Career Center. The morning was dedicated to providers to discuss services for employment. Speakers in attendance were Gayla Dwyer representing Maine Med and AMHC, Jeanne Bugbee from the Maine Transitions Program from Aroostook County, Michael Woodman of Bureau of Employment Services, representatives from Social Security and Kent DeMerchant, the local DPN. The afternoon was dedicated to presentations by employers. In attendance were Wal Mart, University of Maine at Presque Isle and The Aroostook Medical Center. Both people with disabilities and service providers were in attendance during the day. Attendance varied throughout the day from 7 to 16 people. Pizza Hut of Presque Isle donated pizza for the noon meal.
October 24, 2008. In Washington County, Atrica Emerson, Jackie Stanley, Lorinda Joy, myself and Sandi Mickel pulled together a workshop for youth in transition. Atrica Emerson and Nichole Jellison shared a presentation on Career Center services along with the interest profiler on Onet. Kent DeMerchant Gave a short presentation on the Disability Program Navigator initiative. David Mahoney gave an informational session to a couple folks on Social Security work incentives. Staff from University of Maine at Machias attended to present information on education services to the youth. A representative of the TRIO program whose goal is to help people with access to student aid and help with filling out applications for college along with a member of the Trails program who helps people prepare academically for college were on hand to answer questions. Lorinda Joy was able to bring in students from a local school and provided the snacks.
Augusta and Lewiston: By Marc Rodrigue, Disability Program Navigator
Augusta and Lewiston held events this year that included workshops on how to choose a job and where to find job opportunities and then ended with some fun for everyone at Sparetime Recreation!
DMD Augusta October 15, 2008
The Augusta event was held at the Central Maine Commerce Center (CMCC) and attendees included approximately 14 Students from Cony High School and their teachers.
Students arrived at the CMCC and were escorted into one of the DOL conference rooms. Here they were treated with snacks and drinks while listening to presenters, Jim McManus and James Baumer.
Jim McManus shared information about his participation in the ABLEME grant as well as the concessions and vending machines administered through DBVI (Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired). Jim suggested the possibility of job shadows or perhaps work experiences for anyone interested in culinary arts or food service.
James Baumer shared information about his own career development and the path(s) he has followed. He also talked about the importance of being ready to work and the soft skills employers tend to look for when recruiting.
The students were then led down the hall to MDOT where they met with a staff member who shared a day in the life…showing students DOT Maps and blueprints of roadwork being completed, explaining some of the things that need to be considered when building/maintaining roads. From there, students met with additional staff and got to view DOT vehicles (Dump Truck, Backhoe/Loader and tool truck. The students seemed to enjoy this hands-on experience.
After visiting MDOT, students were given the opportunity to visit the 911 call center for Maine Department of Public Safety where a staff member described what happens in the call center. What happens when you call 911, how are called handled, how are emergency responders dispatched, etc. The tour was very informative.
The students found their way back to the conference room where they started their day and were greeted by Debbie Bechard of JMG. Debbie shared information about mentoring and shared one of her own experiences with the group.
To end the day, all students traveled to Sparetime Recreation in Augusta where they were treated to bowling, pizza, fries and soda. Like the Lewiston event, attendees were given challenges where they could earn a cash reward. The challenges were anyone beating the Navigator, 3 strikes in a row and finally highest score for the day. The highest score of the day was the only challenge that was completed and rewarded.
Attended by 9 students and one teacher from Edward Little High School.
Students were given a bag containing a variety of items they were able to handle and manipulate during the presentations. Students also received handouts and brochures about Disability Mentoring Day, Disability Program Navigator (DPN), Vocational Rehabilitation and the CareerCenter.
DPN opened the event by welcoming attendees. Participants were informed they would receive information from employers on:
- How to choose a job/career to pursue
- Where to find opportunities
- How to get job leads
- What skills employers look for when screening applicants to hire and
employees to retain.
DPN led an Ice Breaker activity.
Attendees were asked to complete a paper puzzle that challenged their ability to follow verbal instructions to compete a task. The task also challenges one’s ability to think outside the box. A cash reward was offered for anyone successfully completing the puzzle. There was no winner. After the solution was revealed, many felt they would remember it. Each was told to keep the puzzle to challenge family and friends.
Presentations were then given by:
- Patti Gagne of Allstate Insurance who discussed her own path to her career and shared the story of “Johnny the Bagger”.
- Amie Parker of Bates College who discussed what she looks for in employees and what job are available at Bates College.
- Heather Banester-Bassett of Employment Times discussed where to look for job opportunities and leads including not only the traditional locations (newspapers and internet) but also the hidden job market like networking.
- Keri Robichaud of the CareerCenter discussed the tools and resources available at the CareerCenter for individuals who do not know what kind of job or career to pursue.
- Lisa Hartnett shared information about the interview process and how to be prepared to meet an employer.
- Jim Baumer also spoke with the participants and shared his experiences and insight around the future of the work world.
Attendees and their teacher then walked to Sparetime Recreation for a couple of hours of bowling and pizza. Sparetime Recreation donated 2 hours of bowling, pizza, fires and soft drinks. The DPN offered another cash reward if any students could succeed at one of two challenges. These were for any student beating the Navigator’s score in any game and for those bowling 3 strikes in a row. Bowling was selected as an activity for DMD as bowling is a very “disability friendly” social/recreational activity.
Penobscot, Piscataquis and Hancock Counties: By Joyce Santerre, Disability Program Navigator
Forty-one people came to the DMD event held at the Tri-County CareerCenter in Bangor on Wednesday, October 15, 2008. Those present included: students and job seekers with disabilities, presenters, employers, case managers, VR counselors and CareerCenter staff from the entire Tri-County area.
The event started with opening remarks from Joyce Santerre, Disability Program Navigator, of the Training & Development Corporation and the Tri-County CareerCenter. Next Wes Smith, Independent Living Specialist of Alpha-One presented information on Alpha-One services, the Alpha-One Peer Program and focused on employment successes stories.
Ruth Dodge, MHR of Wal-Mart (a DMD corporate sponsor) and other Wal-Mart staff provided for the breakfast refreshments and a door prize. After break, she provided a power point presentation of employment success stories of Wal-Mart staff and employment opportunities for those present. This provided a great networking opportunity for all.
The Luncheon Speaker, Dr. O. J. Logue, Associate Dean of Academic Services, UMO, then spoke to the audience about disabilities and positive ways to assist one to reach their goal(s). He also included personal success stories from his own life.
Lunch was provided by The Olive Garden, a DMD corporate sponsor.
After lunch, Allies, Inc. staff provided a power point presentation on resume writing and interviewing tips. Staff included: Loretta Alley, Program Director, Frank Hartnett, Employment Specialist and Dylan Brennan, Workshop Facilitator and Job Coach/Mentor.
Resource tables provided access to information from the various agencies and employers.
The event ended with a briefing on CareerCenter services and tours.
Upon networking with the General Manager of Olive Garden, she provided me with the name of a General Manager of another local restaurant. By contacting him, I was able to talk about DMD, CareerCenter services, etc. He then told me of a job opening at his restaurant for me to share with those who attend DMD. Many DMD attendees networked with each other: agency workers, CareerCenter staff, DMD presenters/employers, job seekers, college students, etc.
Southern Maine: By Abbie Miller, Disability Program Navigator
The mayor of Portland, Jill Duson, signed a proclamation designating October 15, 2008 as Disability Mentoring Day and events were held at the University of Southern Maine's Glickman Library in Portland. Nineteen employers volunteered to mentor twenty-nine students (mentees) with disabilities between the ages of 17-22. The mentees were matched with mentors based upon students' interests and job shadowed at such varied employers as the Portland Sea Dogs, WMPG and the United Way.
The day began with a light breakfast and keynote speech delivered by Shawn Withers, a certified martial arts instructor, a 2005 & 2007 inductee into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame and stroke survivor with extensive experience working with students with disabilities. Following the keynote, the students left USM for career exploration and job shadowing at area employers. Everyone returned to USM for lunch and a Q & A session from an employer panel consisting Unum, Coastal Enterprises, Inc. and Martin's Point.
The afternoon was spent in workshops on the topics of Post Secondary Education (presented by Joyce Branaman – University of Southern Maine), Assistive Technology (presented by Elissa Moran - Maine Center on Deafness & Mary Beth Walsh - Mainely Access), Resume and Job Readiness ( presented by Cindy Edwards – Bureau of Employment Services) and Public Transportation( presented by South Portland Transit). A host of resource tables and agency displays such as the Portland CareerCenter, Iris Network and CHOICES/CEO Project were also on hand with lots of great resource information, and services & program materials available for students, parents and agency staff to take home. Evaluations and a raffle of items, donated by Wal-Mart, concluded this exciting day.
DMD could not have been made possible without the collaborative and creative efforts of James Howard (DMD Local Coordinator), Rod MacInnes and Monica Mitchell - Bureau of Rehabilitative Services, Will Brillant - Allies, Gerard Salvo -Coastal Enterprises, Inc., Maureen Smart - Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, Ahmen Cabral - CHOICES/CEO Project, Muskie School of Public Service, Abbie Miller - Disability Program Navigator Initiative and JMG. Generous sponsorships and donations of services were provided by Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, CHOICES/CEO, Coastal Enterprises, Inc., Human Resource Association of Southern Maine, Commission on Disability and Employment, Employment Times, Pro Search and Key Bank, as well as volunteers from state agencies, non-profits and area employers.
Southern Maine DMD 2008 proved to be a hugely successful experience for all involved, as demonstrated by comments made by mentees and mentors alike:
"Students got to pick their interests."
"The off site job experiences! Many of them were super unique! Also like the resource table."
"Thorough coverage of opportunities and resources…"
"I liked Cindy's presentation."
"All of it."
"Positive, good messages, great job shadow."
"The keynote was excellent! Mentoring piece, workshops, panel-all good information."
"I liked the whole event.
"Happy Tails…a great experience."
"Great opportunity to meet other providers and students. Think that DMD provides students with a great chance to see what choices are out there."
”Got to meet Cindy Edwards and hear her presentation."
"The job experience."
"Everything"
"Meeting different people, going to Portland Harbor Hotel and the lunch and breakfast. I knew a lot of people here."
"The speakers.
"The workshops."
Wilton/Farmington: By Marc Rodrique, Disability Program Navigator
In conjunction with National Youth Disability Mentoring Week, over 20 local youth attended a special event at Wilton CareerCenter in Franklin County on Thursday, October 16, 2008. Students from Jay and Livermore High School listened to several speakers from community businesses. Each discussed how their mentoring partnerships have had an impact upon their hiring, staffing and company growth.
Manager of the Wilton CareerCenter, Patty Ladd, introduced speakers and staff. Youth in attendance shared their occupational choices which enhanced the presentations.
Disability Program Navigator, Marc Rodrigue, used a hands-on activity of a puzzle to show how we all process and learn differently. Marc also said we rely on others to get important information One of the students helped demonstrate the puzzle’s completion.
Jeff Vienneau, Hannaford Meat Department Manager of the Jay, Maine store, described how working there is hands-on and that all the training occurs on-site. He recognized one of the participants, Dan, and is considering him for a permanent position. Jeff said that when someone interviews there, applicant dress, as well as accuracy and neatness of job applications are considered. Since Hannaford hires on a regular basis, Jeff brought blank job applications from his store for those interested.
Jeff offered to have students come to do a job shadow or mock interview with him sometime. He also said that, “ some of us may have to work harder to achieve something. But there are many opportunities out there for us, if we are willing to try.”
Cheryl Uhuad, owner of Little People and Me Daycare of Jay, was the next speaker.With over 20 children, from infants to age 11 entrusted to the center’s daily care, Cheryl explained there are many rules and regulations which must be followed. Participants sampled a learning activity used at the daycare center. It included poking a small play-dough ball with raw spaghetti strands and then placing colored cheerios cereal over the strands.
Cheryl’s assistant Susie explained that this activity helps with counting, color coordination, fine and gross motor skills, and as snacks. A recent participant in the CareerCenter Work Experience Program, Samantha, spoke about how she brought in her guitar in and sang to the kids. She also said she learned that patience is very important.
Ernie Gurney, of New Beginnings, and Karen Rogers, Director of Education at Franklin Hospital discussed mentoring and volunteerism. Ernie explained that he had held many jobs but that he had originally started at New Beginnings as a volunteer and is now a paid staff person. To demonstrate volunteerism, each youth was asked to volunteer their time by making floral pens. Ernie explained that sometimes what we do seems so easy, but the collective results of our efforts will be greater than our solo efforts. When each pen was completely flower-topped, they were placed into a simple vase with glass pebbles. All together it created a festive centerpiece which was presented to Sandy River Rehab Facility as a gift from the youths who attended this event.
Karen Rogers works with numerous volunteers at Franklin Memorial Hospital. “Support is needed in many ways,” she told the group. Some may choose to work in the mailroom, garden, as greeter, parking attendant, in patient registration, environmental services, or even assist with young children or infants whose mothers are ill. Karen left a resource guide with this information in it at the CareerCenter.
“Volunteering shows you can be a reliable worker and that you can do a good job. This is what you can say in an interview….look what I can accomplish,” she said. Karen also explained the need for complete confidentiality and that all volunteers must sign a privacy statement. She said many students volunteer through the Upward Bound program and spend their summers learning at the hospital.
Another speaker was Sherry Walrath, Non-Traditional Communications Specialist. She is a medical interpreter as well as a skilled pilot. She asked the audience what they had learned from the presentations. One youth said, “How important it is to volunteer.” Another mentioned, “Jobs have an impact on our lives and we all have skills we can use.”
Sherry said she is not gifted in math but that when she studied to become a pilot, she mastered the math skills she needed. She has flown a Cherokee 6 and a Cessna 182. She taught at State University of New York, Albany as well as with high school students. Sherry became a mentor for an 11th grade student, Dolores. She explained that Dolores was angry, unhappy and dyslexic – had a hard time reading because she would see the letters on the page as if reversed. Although initially Dolores believed that she had no skills, Sherry learned Dolores liked to draw so she got her into a course for that.
Sherry continued to explain that when Dolores took a job after graduation with a large department store, she began as a stockperson. She quickly tired of that, and asked what else she could do. At the time, Dolores did not believe she had any other skills.
But Sherry said that Dolores was an artist. Her sense of color, painting and handy knowledge with tools and wood stood her in good stead when she went into the Home Décor Department. Sales soared and Dolores was responsible for that success. She became a consultant for paint color and lumber choices. She has since risen to manager of the Paint and Repair Department and keeps in regular touch with Sherry.
Using her American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting skills, Sherry showed the audience how she takes words and puts them in her hands. She showed ASL signs for drawing, ship, good, thank you, video game, happy to meet you, and others. She showed one adult how to ask, “Do you want to go out to dinner with me?” Having been a teacher and interpreter for over 30 years, she had a wonderful rapport with her audience.
Darla Sanford of Department of Vocational Rehabilitation spoke about how she works with teens in transitional services to help them find jobs or careers suitable to their talents and interests. Jennifer Arsenault of Work Opportunities noted that her agency assists with job development services in Oxford and Franklin Counties. She also said that there are volunteer opportunities there. Vickie Morton of HOPE Association explained how her agency partners with others to assist youth and adults with special needs.
Thanks to Pizza Hut, there was a pizza party afterward. The youth each received a bag containing Hannaford goodies and healthy food choice info, leaflets on CareerCenter offerings and other agency’s information. As they headed back to their respective schools, they left knowing they had made a difference in the lives of seniors with their floral craft project, and with valuable information about local career opportunities, partnerships and resources.
