Patrick: Transition 99 Program students positively impact businesses

Dr. Seuss wrote: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” As the vocational coordinator for the Transition 99 Program, I know first-hand that there are many employers throughout our community who care a whole awful lot.

Since 1998, District 99 has offered continued educational services to students aged 18 to 21 with special needs through our Transition 99 Program. My role is to connect these students with employers so that they can receive authentic, real-world experience to help them prepare for their next stage in life.

Finding viable and fulfilling employment opportunities for students with special needs can be challenging, but as more and more employers realize the benefits of hiring these amazing young people, they will realize a substantial return on investment. In fact, managers report that our students are loyal, reliable and hard-working. They also bring a unique joy to the workplace, which benefits the employer’s staff members and customers alike.

We are thankful to the following employers who give our students the opportunity to be part of their team:

Action Fabrics – Westmont
Burger King – Westmont
Caputo's – Downers Grove
Central Decal – Burr Ridge
COD Cafeteria – Glen Ellyn
Cordia Senior Residence – Westmont
Culver's – Darien
District 58 – Downers Grove
District 99 IT Department – Both DGS and DGN
Downers Grove Park District Fitness
Downers Grove Township
Doggie Depot – Downers Grove
Family Video – Downers Grove
The Farm – Westmont
Jewel – Downers Grove and Westmont
J Flemings – Westmont
Lou Malnati's – Downers Grove
McDonald's – Downers Grove and Lisle
Midwestern University – Downers Grove
Oakbrook Hills Hilton Resort – Oak Brook
PermaSeal – Downers Grove
Phillips Flowers – Downers Grove
Picchetti Dental Care – Lombard
Rage Creative Digital Agency – Westmont
Steak & Shake – Downers Grove
TJ Maxx – Downers Grove
Villa St. Benedict – Lisle
Walgreens – Westmont & Downers Grove
Westmont Public Library
West Suburban Humane Society – Downers Grove

We hope to add additional vocational opportunities for our students in 2017. Our staff supports students throughout job procurement and maintenance, and works with employers to maintain productivity while students learn new skills. Students can be supported either through an unsubsidized (employer paid) position, or one subsidized through government loans.

In the future, we look forward to working with even more employers – those who can look beyond developmental disabilities, cognitive impairments or autism – and see how our students can positively impact their business…and our community.

For more information on partnering with our Transition 99 Program, please email Jenny Patrick at jpatrick@csd99.org.

Jenny Patrick is the vocational coordinator for the Transition 99 program.