Work Immersion Program Opens Career Paths for Special Needs Students

A groundbreaking partnership between Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 (IU13) and Juniper Village at Lebanon is transforming the lives of young adults with special needs through real-world work experience and comprehensive skill development. The Work Immersion Program combines hands-on training with classroom instruction to prepare students for successful employment and independent living.

The program serves young adults from Lebanon County school districts who are in their final year of education. Participants must complete a rigorous application process, including interviews and skills assessments, before being accepted into the program.

“The students bring such wonderful energy and enthusiasm to their work with our residents,” commented Erin Garcia, Executive Director at Juniper Village at Lebanon. “Watching them develop meaningful relationships while learning professional skills has been incredibly rewarding for our entire community.”

Students participate in two to three internship rotations throughout the year, working in various departments including Connections, Dining Services, Environmental Services, and Housekeeping. Each intern receives one-on-one support from a job trainer and is paired with an associate mentor who guides them through their daily responsibilities.

“This program creates meaningful opportunities for our students to develop essential life and employment skills in a supportive, real-world environment,” remarked Megan Brown with Lancaster-Lebanon IU13. “The combination of classroom instruction and hands-on experience helps prepare them for future success in the workforce.”

The program’s curriculum focuses on three core areas: Employment Skills, Independent Living Skills, and Social/Communication Skills. Students spend four days per week at their internships and one day in classroom instruction, where they learn functional mathematics, reading, and writing skills directly applicable to workplace scenarios.

“The impact of this program extends beyond job training,” explained Tanya Flemming, Connections Director at Juniper Village at Lebanon. “We witness remarkable growth in confidence and independence as our interns interact with residents and associates, forming valuable connections within our community.”

Community-based instruction forms a vital component of the program, with students participating in Lebanon Transit orientation, banking activities, and visits to local businesses. These experiences help interns develop crucial life skills while building connections within their community.

Upon completion of the program, students graduate with a comprehensive portfolio including their work experiences, resume, cover letter, practice job applications, and professional references. The program also facilitates connections with agencies supporting transition to ensure continued success after graduation.

This unique program creates an environment where young adults can develop professional skills while building meaningful relationships with residents. Interns assist with various activities, from leading exercise classes to helping with daily schedules, creating valuable intergenerational experiences that benefit both the students and residents.

As the program enters its first year, interest from surrounding school districts continues to grow. Plans are underway to expand the Work Immersion Program to similar personal care communities throughout Lebanon County in the coming years.

For more information about the Work Immersion Program or to RSVP for an information session, contact Kelly Stonesifer at kelly_stonesifer@iu13.org or (717) 947-1656.

Located at 1125 Birch Rd, Lebanon, PA 17042, Juniper Village at Lebanon is dedicated to providing premier personal care experiences. For more information, please call (717) 272-8782 or visit https://junipercommunities.com/community/assisted-living-personal-care-lebanon-pa/.

About Lancaster-Lebanon IU13

IU13 serves Lancaster and Lebanon counties’ 22 public school districts, nonpublic schools, and various educational agencies. As one of 29 intermediate units across Pennsylvania, IU13 works collaboratively to meet the needs of all students and ensure schools have the tools and resources to help students reach their fullest potential.

About Juniper Communities

Juniper Communities, a leader in quality, value, and innovation, owns and operates senior living communities in Colorado, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas that emphasize residents’ well-being, interaction, and security. Our communities and approach to housing and care offer residents the opportunity to live a full life, regardless of age or health. Juniper’s innovative Connect4Life program has been proven to improve residents’ care by decreasing hospitalizations, re-hospitalizations, and urgent care visits while offering potential cost savings to public programs such as Medicare. To learn more about the many ways Juniper Communities innovates in support of our residents, visit www.junipercommunities.com.