CINCINNATI — Twenty-year-old Celina Fondenberger is learning things she hadn’t learned in school.
Fondenberger lives on her own, so money-management classes at Pathways to Employmenthave been imperative.
The program, run by Hamilton County Educational Service Center, helps 18- to 22-year-olds with disabilities become more independent.
Joan Lawrence, coordinator of intervention and support services, said Pathways to Employment helps people with skills such as cooking, shopping and budgeting.
The program also provides each student with an individualized education plan that helps them hone in on specific skills that translate to the workplace.
“To see our students out in the community in job sites, to see our graduates working, it just gives you such a sense of fulfillment,” Lawrence said.
Fondenberger said the program has helped her get a job.
“Right now I’m working at McAlister’s,” she said. “They hired me. It’s actually really fun being there.”
Pathways to Employment is holding an open house on Thursday. Click here for more information.
