When Karen joined our Yes She Can job skills development program she had graduated from college but had no relevant job skills. As a young woman with an autism spectrum disorder she struggles with communication, problem-solving, being flexible and adapting to unpredictable changes. She’s highly motivated but these challenges could prevent Karen from getting or keeping a job. She knows this and is working hard at our program to reach her potential.
“I wish for a job where I can be accepted, and can be helpful.”
These are challenges for all of our trainees, which is why only 20% of adults with autism have a job – regardless of academic success!
At our ground-breaking program at Girl AGain boutique, Karen, along with Diana, Julia, Izzie and other young women are gaining hands on practical skills and coaching on social behaviors and emotional regulation.
This year, a number of our trainees are attending college. Despite their academic achievements, they all struggle with the same issues that are critical for employment. As Dr. Sheri Baron has written, a diploma is not enough for employment.
Yes She Can is their first opportunity to explore and build these skills. You can hear from Maki, Izzie, Sadie, Julia and others:
Our professional staff are still all offering their services pro bono: psychologist Sheri Baron, social worker Pat Rowan, psychologist Diane Annunziata and program director Marjorie Madfis. Because of demand for our program, we are seeking to hire job coaches. This way we can serve more trainees, and offer them more coaching hours that they need to build and reinforce skills, to help our young women reach their full potential.
Our wish:
Our wish is to have more job coaches so that we can help more women reach their potential and achieve their dreams. We really could use your help to accomplish this goal and start 2017 with the coaching staff we need. Please consider a year-end donation to Yes She Can so we can serve more young women like Kelsey, Maki and Diana.
Our board of directors and our volunteer staff wish you a very happy holiday season, and a new year full of potential.
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