SEEC E-News
July 2019 | Issue Eleven
Exciting Changes in the Community Employment Network Department!
SEEC Departments Realign According to Strategic Plan

SEEC's new strategic plan guides us in reevaluating our approach to support services through a fresh lens---ensuring our offerings are both holistic and reciprocal. SEEC's departments and programs are currently in the process of realigning to achieve these goals. The Community Employment Network (CEN) department will be growing to advance our strategic vision and help us meet our agency goals. Furthermore, SEEC is excited to announce that following a nationwide search, Sherry Beamer will step into the leadership position of the newly expanded CEN department. Ms. Beamer will begin her tenure at SEEC after Labor Day. Stay tuned for opportunities in the near future to learn more about Sherry.

Over the next several months, the Community Employment Network (CEN) department will restructure to provide a cohesive menu of supports with three program service lines. Project SEARCH for SEEC will be led by Nancy Eaby and become a part of CEN, allowing interns a smooth transition from learning to job search to employment. Employment Services, led by Michael Petrick, will operate under the CEN department by continuing to focus on discovery, job development, customized employment, ongoing job support, and employment retention. Lastly, the traditional CEN approach combining work readiness, community involvement, and self-discovery will be renamed the Community Engagement program. We are excited to welcome Shari Carver to SEEC as the lead in this program area.
 
"SEEC leadership and staff have been planning this realignment for almost a year" said Executive Director, Karen Lee. "I am excited and energized by this change allowing people to be supported more fluidly between programs as it suits their needs. The creation of the CEN Department will assist SEEC in adhering to our commitment to providing support for all who want to work while still ensuring people receive personalized community services based on their own requirements and goals."

Please contact the Program Director for each service area with any questions or concerns.
Community Engagement Program: Sharon Carver scarver@seeconline.org
Employment Services: Michael Petrick mpetrick@seeconline.org
Project SEARCH: Nancy Eaby neaby@seeconline.org
AND stay tuned for the August edition of the SEEC E-News when we will interview CEN's New Department Director!
Inside This Issue
  • Exciting Changes in the Community Employment Network (CEN) Department
  • Project SEARCH Restructuring
  • A New Job At The Town Hall
  • Congratulations ResInnova Laboratories and Services!

  • SAVE THE DATE: Footgolf is September 28th! More information coming soon!
Project SEARCH Restructuring
New Director and Four Site Leads Named

Project SEARCH is a highly successful employment training experience operated jointly with our partners. The program utilizes intensive internships and classroom instruction to facilitate job readiness for transitioning age youth with disabilities. Project SEARCH operates across four sites located in DC and Montgomery County. SEEC is pleased to announce we will be streamlining our portion of the Project SEARCH organizational structure to more efficiently meet the needs of participants, staff, and host sites as the program grows to meet the needs of today’s young adults with disabilities entering the workforce. Nancy Eaby, a long time Project SEARCH lead for SEEC, has accepted the position as Program Director and will be overseeing all four service locations. In the past, the program leadership was divided between DC and Montgomery County. Additionally, each service location will now utilize one on-site lead who will also manage a caseload to ensure consistency and facilitate the best learning environment for the interns and post-hires.  
A New Job At The Town Hall
Washington Grove Employs Two SEEC Participants

Teddy is excited about his new job. For years he worked at a hair salon keeping the place clean and completing other maintenance tasks, but last year the shop closed. Since this past February, Teddy works at Washington Grove Town Hall. There, he is responsible for sweeping the floors, vacuuming, straightening the rooms, and cleaning the bathrooms. He works with his colleague, Dami, and the two of them take great pride in keeping the Town Hall clean. They also work closely with their support staff, Suzette, who helps them work through daily tasks.

Teddy lives in Washington Grove and he and his family have been an integral part of the close knit community for years. Charlie Challstrom, who was the Mayor of Washington Grove for many years and now is on the Planning Commission amongst other roles, speaks highly of Teddy and says that the relationship with SEEC, Teddy, and Dami has been an incredibly positive one.

When asked what he thinks is Teddy and Dami's favorite part of working, Charlie replies, “Definitely the paycheck!”. Both Teddy and Dami are thrilled when it’s time for payday and are very happy to be earning money. When Teddy isn’t working at the Town Hall, he often volunteers at a local soup kitchen where he puts out food and takes down chairs.

SEEC is very proud of Dami and Teddy and grateful to Suzette for helping them be successful! SEEC also extends a big thank you to Washington Grove Town Hall for being an employer of not one, but two people that SEEC supports-- and to Arlene and Jeff, Ted’s parents, for turning a cold job lead into a warm one!
Congratulations ResInnova Labs!
Silver Spring Chamber Honors SEEC Employer

The Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce (GSSCC) Awards and Installation Dinner took place on Thursday, June 27 th at the DoubleTree by Hilton. SEEC nominated Business Advisory Council member Dr. Matthew Hardwick and ResInnova Laboratories and Services for the Circle of Stars Small Business Award and were thrilled when it was announced that ResInnova Laboratories was chosen by the Chamber as the honoree!

ResInnova Laboratories is a Silver Spring based company, owned and operated by Dr. Matthew Hardwick, whose mission is to reduce the transmission of infection. ResInnova Laboraties encourages their employees to engage in community service efforts and Matt Hardwick leads by example. Whether participating on an advisory board or hiring someone with disabilities, Matt encourages his employees to be engaged and involved in the Silver Spring community as he is himself.

Over a year ago, ResInnova Laboratories hired Bridget, who is supported by SEEC and now works in the lab. Matt is a member of SEEC’s Business Advisory Council (BAC) and also participates on the Gala Committee at SEEC. In addition, Matt is an active member of Grace Episcopal Church in Silver Spring.

SEEC is lucky to have Matt’s energy and involvement and to have ResInnova Laboratories as an employer! Congratulations to ResInnova Labs for their Circle of Stars Small Business Award!

301.576.9000 | www.seeconline.org