September 10, 2013
Wow, it's been a long time since I posted anything to our blog. We've been busy at the Smith Center and now we have a class that is responsible for interviewing students and staff for news to add to the blog and our Facebook page as well. We encourage you to read below and discover all that has been happening at the Center. The following post is from our students Ashley Blanks and Allen Price.
Hooray!!!! The Smith Center received a two (2) year certification in July 2013...this is the highest that a center can be awarded.
On August 1st, several students along with staff traveled to Tuscaloosa, AL, to participate in the "Nick's Kids" luncheon. Our folks met Coach and Mrs. Terry Saban and quarterback, AJ McCarron. Can everyone give us a big "ROLL TIDE ROLL"!!!
Students and staff want to congratulate Jessica "Jess" Butrica as our new Executive Director. She is thrilled about the opportunity to lead the AWE/Arc programs and is willing to learn new things. Jess is also very excited about bringing new jobs to the center.
We would like to welcome Alyson Robertson as our new program manager. Alyson comes to us from the Arc of the Shoals where she served as the assistant residential coordinator/QDDP.
Congratulations to John Bryant who began volunteering at the Autauga Humane Shelter and was voted volunteer of the month in August.
Congratulations to Brooke Abbott on her new job at the Prattville Library.
Harrison Dent and John Bryant have been volunteering their time with Habitat for Humanity. Harrison stated that he has fun helping to build houses and it gives him the chance to meet new friends.
On August 5th, the classroom structure was changed to prepare the way for new jobs at the center. The In-center Work Program will give students who want to work a way to make money while working within the center. Also, the Pre-Vocational Work Program will give students an opportunity to find jobs outside the center. The students are excited about the changes, but may be more excited about the money that they will earn.
The changes in classroom structure provides two (2) classrooms that are geared to teaching students life skills used in daily living. They work on numerous projects which include making a solar system, twig art, volcanoes, and other handmade crafts.
Jess and Alyson will be attending the Supportive Employment training on September 11th - 13th.
ATTENTION!!!! Prom is coming soon. The theme of this years Prom will be "Smith Center Celebrates the Arts". Paintings that the students have created will be viewed in the hallway prom night. There will also be a silent auction on every painting/craft. More details will be given at a later a date. Prom is scheduled for Friday night, November 8th, beginning at 5:00 p.m. here at the center. The students, staff, volunteers, and parents/guardians will be enjoying good music and awesome food. Get your wallets/purses ready to bid on some outstanding art.
No comments:
Post a Comment