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In 2019\u00a0– together, with your support – we helped over 4,000 individuals make significant strides along their personal pathways to independence and employment. We wanted to share again, just a few of those stories.<\/p>\n
Daniel’s Story<\/strong><\/p>\n Daniel was first referred to Humanim\u2019s Developmental Disability Services in 2005 through his stepfather who was a former employee.\u00a0With his outgoing personality, Daniel was quick to make friends in the day program, and eventually began participating in Humanim\u2019s vocational services as well. With the help of his job coach and vocational coordinator, he became a treasured Customer Service Representative at Harris Teeter in 2014.<\/p>\n When Daniel first started working at Harris Teeter he had challenges getting enough hours due to seasonal hiring during the holidays, but with the help of his job coach he was able to talk to his manager about the issue and acquire more hours. During this time he also pursued his driver\u2019s license, an achievement that allowed him to have his own transportation to work and increased independence.<\/p>\n Daniel enjoys his job and helping customers with any issues that come up. This year, he received a letter from the President of Harris Teeter, Rod Antolock, congratulating him and expressing appreciation for his work. The letter informed him that one of Daniel\u2019s customers wrote to the president, praising Daniel\u2019s excellent customer service. Harris Teeter is not only proud to have Daniel as an employee, but his motivation to help out with any and all needs has gained him the appreciation and respect of his colleagues as well. Daniel credits Humanim with helping him to gain more independence in his life, and his friends and staff at Humanim could not be more proud of the success he has achieved over the last few years.<\/p>\n Humanim\u2019s Developmental Disability employment services\u00a0focus on matching an individual\u2019s unique interests and skills to the hiring needs of employers. Once employed, our retention specialists continue to work with individuals and employers to ensure job success, through case management, job coaching, advocacy, and other job supports.<\/em><\/p>\n Zakeeyah’s Story<\/strong><\/p>\n Zakeeyah was looking for an opportunity to build a better future for herself and her children. When she applied and was accepted into Humanim\u2019s Multi Skilled Med Tech training program, she felt like the program had something unique to offer. In the past Zakeeyah had found it hard to concentrate in class and take her classwork seriously. But this program \u201cmade me feel like I had something to gain,\u201d and she found the motivation she needed to put her best foot forward and succeed in the program.<\/p>\n Though it proved to be challenging at times, Zakeeyah had an amazing support system of teachers and encouraging classmates who helped her persevere. Zakeeyah completed the Multi Skilled Med Tech training program, earning certifications in Medical Terminology, Electrocardiogram, Venipuncture, CPR First Aid, and CNA \u2013 which she will use to pursue an exciting new career and build a better future for her family.<\/p>\n \u201cThis experience helped me grow up in a way, and it gave me the resources and training I need to build a better future for myself and my children. I wouldn’t have wanted to go through this experience with any other school or any other people than [Humanim]. I would also like to thank Ms. Ayesha for saving and believing in me and providing a chance for me to be in this program.\u201d<\/p>\n Humanim’s Multi-Skilled Medical Technician career training program, in partnership with\u00a0Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) provides free skills training, certification, job placement assistance and job support, while preparing participants for careers in the medical technician field.<\/em><\/p>\n Darnell’s Story<\/strong><\/p>\n Darnell, a rising high school senior in Baltimore City, first heard about Humanim\u2019s Start on Success (SOS) program through his high school counselor. This summer was Darnell\u2019s second year participating in the SOS program, and he\u2019s gained a variety of experience in two internship settings. During the summer of 2018, Darnell interned at the YMCA, which was his first summer job and first paid work experience.\u00a0This year, he wanted to obtain experience in another setting to gain further exposure and opportunity. “It’s motivating to have a job,” he says. He decided to intern at UMMS, where he works in the linens department.<\/p>\n Darnell works diligently to load and unload the dock, organize lab coats, and keep the hospital’s linens fresh and tidy. From his coworkers, peers, and SOS Coordinator, it\u2019s clear that Darnell\u2019s positive attitude and willingness to be a team player has been instrumental to his success in his\u00a0internships. When asked about his experience in the program, Darnell says, \u201cThe program made me start opening up more with my peers. I\u2019ve become more responsible, gained work experience, and perfected skills.\u201d Outside of working at UMMS, Darnell and other SOS participants receive classroom instruction, work readiness training, and assistance with identifying career interests. Lee’s Story<\/strong> Rochester LeArtis \u2013 known as Lee – started at City Seeds in November of 2016 as a Driver. A loving father of six children, Lee found out about City Seeds through Humanim\u2019s Workforce Solutions program, which assists TCA recipients with finding employment. After being in and out of prison for several years, Lee had found it difficult to find consistent employment that would support his family.<\/p>\n Lee was a key member in the beginnings of the City Seeds team! \u00a0He helped form operating procedures that are now standards for the company, including reviewing the order with the client upon delivery and making sure everyone is satisfied before getting back on the road.<\/p>\n Since helping launch City Seeds\u2019 catering services almost three years ago, Lee\u2019s role has expanded to Service Delivery Driver, increasing his responsibilities to include elaborate setups for full service events, such as cocktail parties and plated dinners. He has also grown to become City Seeds\u2019 go-to trainer for newly hired team members, showing them the ropes and making them feel like part of the team immediately upon their start. Lee truly enjoys his job at City Seeds, and the connections he has made through his work.<\/p>\n \u201cMy life changed in many ways. For one, I got a stable job that allows me to support my family. For two, I get to meet a lot of interesting people \u2013 literally, every day. Which can lead to other connections that help you personally or on the job. I\u2019m not stuck in one thing all the time. It\u2019s an adventure.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sandbox3.foxtrotdev.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/DSC_3812-600x401.jpg\")
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\nAn award-winning workforce program launched in 1997, SOS is a partnership between Humanim, the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), local school systems and numerous employer partners. Since its inception, SOS has assisted over 700 young adults throughout Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Harford, Baltimore, and Howard counties, and Wilmington, DE, in making a successful transition from school to work.<\/em><\/p>\n
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