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At just 18 years old, Kalif is already proving that determination, passion, and a strong support system can pave the way for a bright future. Kalif first learned about Humanim through his DORS counselor and joined the Work-Based Learning Experience (WBLE) program to gain work experience and support his growth.<\/p>\n
Through the WBLE program, Kalif began interning at Walgreens, where he developed customer service and organizational skills that he applies in his current internship at the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS). There, he\u2019s taken on many roles including distribution, food service, and vending machine operations. \u201cI liked all of them,\u201d Kalif shares about his different positions adding, \u201cI go big, and I enjoy talking. When I work, I learn how to get along with everyone.\u201d Kalif has gotten so good at his tasks that he\u2019s able to teach his colleagues proper procedures and help them with any task.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t have to constantly walk behind Kalif. When he tells me he\u2019s going to do something, he does it\u201d shares Dionne, Humanim\u2019s Youth Transition Services Coordinator who works with Kalif.<\/p>\n
Kalif is not just an outstanding employee with an incredible work ethic. He\u2019s also a gifted public speaker and has used his voice to advocate for individuals with disabilities. For two consecutive years, he has served as one of the speakers for the Down Syndrome Walk, introducing Maryland legislators like Senator Mary Washington and Delegate Eric Ebersole. He has also spoken before the Maryland State Board of Education, expressing gratitude to Senator Van Hollen for supporting individuals with disabilities.<\/p>\n
On top of being a passionate public speaker, Kalif is also a talented dancer and TikTok creator who loves performing. He began dancing at the age of four at his local church and has since expanded his talents to miming, step and more.<\/p>\n
Kalif\u2019s family is deeply proud of the young man he is growing into. His mother shares, \u201cI raised him to advocate for himself. Even though he has a disability, he can do many things. People who work with him see his skills and abilities\u2014he\u2019s not Kalif with Down Syndrome. He\u2019s Kalif.\u201d<\/p>\n
His older sister recounts \u201cIt\u2019s remarkable to see him mature.\u201d Kalif is always thoughtful of his sisters in his adult life. With his new job, he\u2019s always offering to pay and even began Christmas shopping early!<\/p>\n
\u201cHim being out, working, and seeing the next level of adult life has been really, really great,\u201d the family shares.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, Kalif dreams of attending higher education, with the plan of touring Coppin State and seeing which school is the right fit. He also looks forward to learning to drive, one day owning his own house, and taking care of his family.<\/p>\n
Kalif is grateful to Humanim for allowing him to work. His sister also appreciates that \u201che can work in a space where [she] doesn\u2019t have to worry about him. He\u2019s in a space where he is valued and seen.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
At just 18 years old, Kalif is already proving that determination, passion, and a strong support system can pave the way for a bright future. Kalif first learned about Humanim through his DORS counselor and joined the Work-Based Learning Experience (WBLE) program to gain work experience and support his growth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":28686,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,21],"tags":[17],"class_list":["post-28685","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-our-impact","tag-youth-services"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n