08/20/2021
Summer jobs are in full swing at Elmcrest. Residents from age 14 and up are learning skills and earning money at jobs on campus. For six weeks this summer, 19 students have taken on the responsibilities of baking in the kitchen, landscaping on the grounds, janitorial services in the buildings, and customer service in the coffee house.
These boys and girls are part of Elmcrest’s EPIC program, (Education/Exploration, Preparation, Involvement, Community) designed to provide job readiness for students. Youth interviewing for jobs need to show some commitment to work on behavior/treatment issues and do reasonably well in school.
The EPIC program teaches them how to apply for jobs, act professionally in a work environment, and develop problem solving skills. They also learn how to manage income, create a budget and the importance of savings. Pay is provided by CNY Works, a local not-for-profit corporation that provides workforce information and brings businesses together with job seekers.
On the fast track to employment success, two Elmcrest youth earned more than wages from their summer job. Their experience brought them a SAFESERV Food Handling Certificate, a very valuable certification that lasts for three years. This will be an impressive assist to finding future job opportunities in the food service industry. Congratulations to all the boys and girls at Elmcrest, working hard at preparing for their future.
