Answering a Need in our Community.
There is a profound need for adults with autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD) in our community to have opportunities to participate and contribute. By age 21, these young adults age out of the public school system and lose access to many critical resources.
Their family members/caregivers have few resources in the DC, Maryland, Virginia (DMV) area that allow loved ones diverse opportunities to continue learning and growing toward greater independence in adulthood.
The Job Readiness program at Madison Fields provides structured opportunities for these adults to continue their learning and gain skills that can help prepare them for future employment. The program includes classroom learning, hands-on experience, and team-building activities that require communicating with peers to reach a shared goal.
What makes this program so unique is that our participants get to work on a local 400 acre farm with therapeutic farm animals and neuro-diverse staff.
Participants Help make Goat Milk Soap!
This fall, the Job Readiness Program was integrated with the Soapery at Madison Fields, our first farm-based micro-business. Participants in the program help throughout the soap-making process, learning skills in a real-world setting with the support of their aides; our Job Readiness coordinator, Nancy Frasche; and soapery staff.
Participants build self-esteem as they practice multi-step repeatable processes that result in a tangible hand-made product. From feeding and milking the goats, to labeling the final product. There are many lessons to learn and skills to acquire. For example, the participants learn how to use a milking machine, filter raw milk, weigh ingredients, and follow recipes.
Congrats to our Participants!
A HUGE congratulations to all of the Job Readiness participants in our fall session for earning their certificate of completion! They have helped so much around the farm and took such good care of the animals who live here. Our participants bring so much to the table and we look forward to their progression and growth as they continue to engage with our community.
Details about the Job Readiness program.
Here is a list of program details:
- The program meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10:00-2:00
- It is a person-centered, work-based learning program
- Space is limited to 6 students per session, accompanied by their aides
- Individuals are welcome to return from session to session, as additional skills are added each session
- Participants who complete the program receive a “Certificate of Completion” and a full written progress report
Interested in the program?
If you’re interested in the Job Readiness Program contact our JRP coordinator, Nancy Frasche! Email: [email protected] or call our offices at: 301-349-4007
Agricultural Education | Activities