“Happiness and joy.” Those are the words Sydney, one of our residential students, wrote under the “What are your expectations from this volunteer experience?" section on her application to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House through Heartspring’s Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE) program.The day of her interview, Sydney was prepared and ready to impress. With the help of her staff, she picked out a beautiful flowy dress for her interview outfit, and she placed her application in a folder, which she confidently held in her hands. This was Sydney’s first real interview, and she was eager to begin working and helping families in need.When Heartspring Employment Training Coordinator Jeff Jones heard about this new volunteer opportunity, he immediately thought of Sydney, as she has shown a passion for working in the community through Caffeine Connection, Heartspring’s student-run coffee cart. The CIE program began as a promise of independence after graduation. Founded in 2015 by Curriculum Development Coordinator June Henkelman, the program is designed to prepare students for jobs after transitioning out of Heartspring.“The goal is to help employ adults with disabilities in a competitive environment integrated with non-disabled peers,” states June. “We want them to have the same benefits and opportunities in their future as those of us who come to work every day.”With this goal in mind, Jeff is committed to building partnerships with community businesses and organizations to help students develop social and vocational skills through internship opportunities. For years, Heartspring’s CIE program and Wichita’s Ronald McDonald House have collaborated on the “Pop Tab Pandemonium” Project, letting students collect and deliver can tabs for the organization. This partnership ultimately led to Sydney’s new volunteer opportunity.Sydney passed her interview with flying colors, and she came back to campus with a big smile on her face. “Sydney immediately impressed the Ronald McDonald House staff,” Jeff said. “She is ready to start working and helping families there.” Today, in her new role as a housewarmer, Sydney assists with house duties to help families from out-of-town have a safe and comfortable stay while their children receive medical services. Beyond transition readiness, this experience helps Sydney grow in empathy, connection, and understanding of others’ life difficulties – and discovering joy in helping those in need. Lending a helping hand: Sydney’s first volunteer jobThrough Heartspring’s Competitive Integrated Employment program, Sydney discovered a joy in helping others.5
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