Upcoming Events
- 3/24/2010
- Next Steps Workshop
- A comprehensive workshop presented by Variety, CHOP, & CAR for families whose child has just received …read more...
- 3/27/2010
- New Please Touch Museum Event for Children with Autism!
- Join Variety for our first ever Please Touch Museum event! It will be an evening of …read more...
- All Events »
A Successful Collaboration
What do Variety Philadelphia, CVS/Caremark and Ken’s Kids have in common? Rather, who? Brandon Hill, that’s who! Last week he graduated from Furness High School in Philadelphia- here is his story.
Brandon was a member of the Variety After School program at his high school. One of the program sponsors, Robert Chisholm, encouraged Brandon to apply to Ken’s Kids, a non- profit organization that provides employment and job coaching in The Home Depot and CVS/Caremark stores. Brandon was accepted into the program and hired by CVS/Caremark, 1405 S. 10th Street, Philadelphia, under store manager Tony Chichearo. Brandon’s senior year was redefined to provide 2 days of paid CVS employment and 3 days of coursework. Brandon was held accountable for all of his schoolwork; the same expectations were set for his job.
Brandon’s on the job training was funded by Variety and Ken’s Kids. This collaborative effort is designed to transition young adults with special needs into the work force. Barbara Montgomery, the Ken’s Kids trainer, worked side by side with Brandon for 10 weeks. She guided him in developing relationships with the other crew members and store management. She taught Brandon how to stock the coolers, PUSH the overstock, and provide outstanding service to the customers. Brandon has become a valued, hard working employee who is diligent in performing his assigned tasks. He receives periodic visits from Barbara while on the job. He also attends monthly meetings with other Ken’s Kids workers to sharpen his employment and communication skills.
So what does the future hold? Brandon passed the entrance exam for Lincoln Technical School, and hopes to begin as a student in the Automobile Technician program there. His grandmother and legal guardian, Sheila, is helping Brandon apply for financial aid for the 18- month program. He recently passed his permit test, too, and is learning how to drive- a driver’s license is a prerequisite for the Auto Tech program of study. Brandon intends to keep working at CVS, although some adjustments in schedule may be needed. Congratulations, Brandon, for all you’ve accomplished so far. It’s just the beginning…
