Living Resources

Autistics Speaking Day is celebrated on November 1st each year. It's a day to recognize the voices of people with Autism, to learn about their experiences, and to challenge stereotypes about Autism. This year, we'd like to introduce you to Abby as she shares her story. #autismawareness #autismacceptance

No tricks, just the treat of making a real impact ... Living Resources is hiring! Scan the QR code or head to https://bit.ly/LRjobs to see our available opportunities.

The October edition of Sharing the Journey is LIVE! Check it out now.

Todd loves the Day Community Opportunities Program at Living Resources! Learn more about the program and how you can help here: https://lnkd.in/gzmqKj4s

Molly graduated from Hudson Valley Community College in December 2022 with a degree in Liberal Arts. She continued working at a grocery store where she had been employed part-time since 2019. She wanted to try something new, but needed a gentle push to consider a more professional job. With the support of her job coach here at Living Resources, Frank Padula, she was willing to consider a part-time administrative job at Capital Care Family practice in Rotterdam. Molly has excelled at the medical office, where she has learned many knew skills and has flourished under her new responsibilities. She assists with many administrative tasks, including verifying insurances, HIPAA forms, new patient packets, faxing, filing, shredding, etc … and she continues to learn more. With the support of her office manager, she has learned that she is capable of a lot more than she thought she was. She is currently working 30 hours each week, but they would love for her to join them full time. She is an integral part of the team. When asked about her job, Molly stated, “I like the job because the people are nice and I can go to them if I have a question. I like that it’s a team environment.”

Cason is a graduate of the 2024 College Experience class. During her time in the program, she showed an interest in retail and childcare, having held internships at both Peter Harris and Mercy Care for Kids. It was at Mercy Care for Kids where she found her calling. She instantly connected with the children and showed empathy with them. As one of her post-graduation goals, Cason decided she wanted to work as a Teaching Assistant (TA) at a daycare. Cason worked with her job coach and interviewed at the Anderson Center, a special education preschool that provides children ages three to five years old opportunities to learn in an environment that is developmentally appropriate and teaches the skills needed to be successful in kindergarten. Though Cason had little experience working with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), she knew her lived experience as a person with ASD would be useful. During her visit to the Anderson Center she engaged with the children warmly and played with them. Cason was offered the job of Teaching Assistant and began her new role in September of this year, and we couldn’t be happier for her. “I really like working with young children with special needs,” Cason remarks. “I can help them because I understand what they may be experiencing as a person with Autism, and they can see what they can grow up to be.” “Cason is a hardworking, reliable team member who is exceptional at relating to and connecting with the students of Anderson Early Learning Academy (AELA). Cason’s own experiences with a disability have undoubtedly given her a unique perspective and contribute to the incredible level of empathy that she brings to every conversation throughout the day. Her commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities aligns perfectly with our values at Anderson Early Learning Academy; she leads by example, and we all learn so much from her every day. On behalf of everyone at AELA, I want to publicly applaud Cason for the meaningful impact she is making here – and I want to thank Living Resources for providing us with a work-ready team member. We look forward to a continued collaboration in the years to come.” Said Daniel Rounds MS Ed, SBL, Director of Early Childhood Education at Anderson Early Learning Academy.

Austin Johnsen recently passed his five year employment anniversary benchmark at Price Chopper on Albany Shaker Road. He is a maintenance associate and has been working there since 2019. Austin works four shifts per week, four hours a day. His maintenance title allows him to work in several capacities, and he enjoys them all. On any given day he can be found gathering carts in the parking lot, cleaning and organizing the bottle room along with servicing the machines when they need new bags, or become jammed with plastic or glass bottles. Austin maintains the customer bathrooms if they become in need of attention during his shifts. Austin assists customers with carry out when they need help to their cars with their groceries, and does it all with flexibility and professionalism. Among other duties that Austin completes each shift, is the cart with “reshops” which are items that a customer may change their mind and not purchase that need to get back to their display shelves. Austin knows every aisle and what is in that aisle, memorized by heart. Austin utilizes the STAR bus system to commute to work, and he and his mom book his trips each week. He has become increasingly independent and a strong advocate for himself at work. His availability increased and he was given another shift recently. Austin said he feels like a valuable part of the team, “I am very happy here” and indicated he feels valued with the tasks he is assigned, specifically keeping carts gathered and cleaned and ready for customers as they enter the store. When asked about Austin, his supervisor Nadia said, “Austin is reliable and dependable, and one hard working associate. He is a very important part of our team here at Price Chopper”. Austin spends his time away from work with family, walking his dog Jerry, and working with his family at their business as well. He enjoys playing video games. He also participates in Wildwood’s Theater Arts Program and book clubs. He has been in more than one community production. #ndeam #nationaldisabilityemploymentawarenessmonth

Canaan Cassano has known what he wanted to do with his life since he was in 5th grade. Today, he is living out his dream of working with computers right here at Living Resources. Canaan is a graduate of Living Resources’ College Experience Program and now he works part-time as a Computer Support Specialist! #ndeam #nationaldisabilityemploymentawarenessmonth

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5. Now more than ever, your vote counts! Here are some useful tips and facts about this year’s election. Access the full document here: https://lnkd.in/gdBjQnGx

Canaan Cassano has known what he wanted to do with his life since he was in 5th grade. Today, he is living out his dream of working with computers right here at Living Resources. Canaan is a graduate of Living Resources’ College Experience Program and now he works part-time as a Computer Support Specialist. ••• Canaan began his career in computers as an intern at Bethlehem High School. There, he assisted with setting up and troubleshooting audio/visual equipment. From there, he went on to intern at the College of Saint Rose prior to their closure. In October of 2023, he began interning at Living Resources, assisting with repairing laptops and desktops, as well as troubleshooting other computer issues as they arose. Five short months into this internship, he was offered the position as a part-time employee and he couldn’t be happier. He loves working at Living Resources and says everyone is really nice and he is making meaningful connections with his co-workers. ••• When asked about his performance, his job coach Mikayla says he is incredibly independent and needs little coaching when it comes to professional matters. They mostly work on socialization and keeping organized. They’ve only worked together for a few months, but Mikayla says she sees great improvement in Canaan and can’t wait to see where this position will take him. Way to go Canaan, keep up the great work! #ndeam #nationaldisabilityemploymentawarenessmonth #ndeam2024