Celebrating Community Partners: PACTT
We love our community partners!
H.O.M.E. is proud to work in partnership with PACTT Learning Center, an organization that provides programs and resources for people with autism. For many years, the organization has placed volunteers at Nathalie Salmon House where they assist with janitorial duties in the building. This year, they have also placed young adults in positions at Pat Crowley House. The young people provide cleaning services such as vacuuming in the common areas of the houses. Some volunteers also work with our cook to help with food preparation.
Young adults who are a part of the program learn job and interpersonal skills that will help them to be successful in their future jobs. Meanwhile, H.O.M.E.’s senior residents have the opportunity to meet and interact with new people.
Our Housing Coordinator, Caren, says that it’s great to work with PACTT. The volunteers provide a wonderful service that helps our seniors with their daily activities. This partnership is a wonderful example of our belief that people should live and learn together, not separated by age or ability. At H.O.M.E., we value intergenerational experiences that provide a better understanding of one another. Caren also says that this partnership provides a great learning experience for our seniors to gain a better understanding of people with autism.
According to their website, “PACTT Vocational Services works to place people with autism in jobs that allow them to use their skills and take their place in the working world. Working with individual teenagers and young adults with autism, the PACTT vocational services team builds slowly, spending time with each individual to develop personal strengths into working skills, then find the right job match.
Once a client is placed in a new position, a PACTT on-site job coach is there to help foster success. Currently, 23 teenagers and young adults in the Vocational Services division are employed, working in a variety of jobs out in the community -- and getting great performance reviews from their employers and co-workers."
They work in partnership with several local businesses and nonprofit agencies. If you are interested in this program for your organization or business, contact Chris Thomas at: 773-299-4010.
Want to help out at our intergenerational living homes at Nathalie Salmon or Pat Crowley Houses? Being a Guest Chef is a great way to do so! Click the button below to learn more.
{{cta('43d2dbc6-655c-41e3-85af-9d6a11eda37e')}}