April SEEC Insider

SEEC Insider

April 2019 | Issue Eight

SEEC April Happenings

There are so many wonderful things going on at SEEC it is hard to keep track. Do not worry, we have you covered!

Click on the below for updates on:

Bring Your Child To Work Day
Community Blood Drive
Employee Assistance Program
Mandt Training
Penny Implementation
SEEC 2019 Masquerade Gala
SEEC Wellness

Find Out More!

Inside This Issue

SEEC April Happenings
Why Employment Is Important: A Blog By Macena Mason
A Community Employment Journey: Workforce Development and Discoveries Success Story
Harvard Business Review Management Tip

SAVE THE DATE: Gala Staff Volunteer Trainings on May 8th at 10am or May 9th at 7pm. Sign-ups to be sent out soon.

Why Employment Is Important

A Blog By Macena Mason

Employment is important because it expands your knowledge in many ways. You get to meet and learn from many people who would work with you. Where ever you work, you end up taking the job home. It begins to expand in your personal life as well.

Employment allows you to make money for yourself. Working allows you to be able to go shopping. You will also learn management of your money by opening a bank account. As you get older, you can also learn how to pay your bills. Examples are your cell phone and maybe a small house bill, as well. These skills prepare you for your independence.

In expanding your independence, your mind becomes stronger. You start having a different experience in your communication with others around you. This brings you closer to being independent in the world.

Whatever you do, people will start to look at you differently. Those who live in the community around you, will be supportive and proud of you. There are people around you that may not understand. Stick with the ones that do. You shall be okay with all of your success. Just know that you will always be learning. Even if you go through more than one job, you will take something to hold on to in each job. There are many benefits to working. Enjoy all you can with your new independence.

Macena is the author of the book, "A Struggle Equals Goals", published in 2002. She also maintains a monthly blog at Macena's Journey. She discusses disability issues and lifestyle topics. In her spare time, Macena is a musician and a Special Olympics athlete. Macena receives supports through SEEC to live her best life.

Check out Macena's blog HERE .

A Community Employment Journey

Scott’s Customized Employment Story

Scott, age 30, is working two jobs and living independently. Yet, to get to this place, he and his family have had to weather many ups and downs. Scott has significant Autism and when he was younger, his family was not sure what his future might hold.

Living in Bethesda, Scott went through the Montgomery County Public School system and completed Wootton High School. As he progressed through school, it became apparent that the environment was too expansive and overwhelming for Scott. Scott began to participate in more learning activities outside of school, going to class for a few hours and then riding the Metrobus to a part time job where he could gain valuable employment skills.

After graduating from high school, Scott began receiving support from SEEC, a nonprofit provider of community and employment services for people with disabilities. Through SEEC, Scott started Project SEARCH the first year it began in the county. Project SEARCH is a one-year school-to-work transition program designed for young adults with developmental disabilities who are either in their last year of high school or are recent graduates. The program consists of group learning classes and on the job work experiences. Scott was enrolled in Project SEARCH from September until February, but then Scott began exhibiting negative behaviors at the program. Scott made it clear that he did not function optimally in a group learning environment and he was most comfortable in a work space where he could focus completely on his task. Scott’s Direct Support Professional from SEEC, Chris, continued to work with him and better define opportunities which provided the chance for Scott to excel.

Read more about Scott's story HERE !

Harvard Business Review Management Tip:

Make SEEC A Safe Space to Talk About Mental Health

When your employees are struggling with mental health, they should be able to open up and ask for help. Think about how you can create a work environment that makes them feel safe enough to do so. For example, pay attention to the language you and your team use. Comments like “Mr. OCD is at it again” or “She is being so bipolar this week” stigmatize issues that employees could be struggling with, and make it harder for people to come forward. If you hear employees using that kind of language, discourage them from continuing, and, if necessary, explain why it’s hurtful. You can also set the tone by sharing your experiences with mental health and making yourself available to team members in need. When someone confides in you, be ready to tell them about the mental health resources your company has.

SEEC has an active Employee Assistance Program along with other resources. See this LINK or Human Resources for details.

Adapted from “ 5 Ways Bosses Can Reduce the Stigma of Mental Health at Work ," by Diana O'Brien & Jen Fisher

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