Kyra McCullough wanted a job working with animals. New mom Betsey Qualley needed help with her cat-grooming business.
Last month, the two were connected through a job program for students at Ruby Van Meter School, a public school that serves about 200 special-needs students, ages 12 to 21.
The school's Career Exploration program this year has paired about 15 students with businesses, churches and social service agencies. During a nine- to 12-week period, students work part time, twice a week, at a couple of different jobs. They aren't paid.
The jobs offer opportunities for students who are high-functioning and those with limited skills, said Melinda Collins, who founded the program 10 years ago and works today with Jami Harvey to run it. The program gives students the opportunity to practice social skills and learn work skills as it builds their self-esteem, she said.
"Sometimes they find out what their passion is, and sometimes they find out they don't like a job," Collins said of the 75 youngsters who have gone through the program.
"Employers get attached to the kids, and the kids get attached to the employers, too. They learn all the things that go into a real job."
Participating businesses and organizations include Drake Diner, American Cancer Society, Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, Calvin Community, Hy-Vee, Kum & Go, Insurance Networking and McDonald's. The program gives students the opportunity to practice social skills and learn work skills as it builds their self-esteem, Collins said.
Plymouth Church was the first employer to sign on 10 years ago, Collins said. This year, the church hired former student Erik Paramo as a full-time custodian after he worked at the church last year before graduating.
Dan Olson, facility manager, said Erik is a good employee.
"I don't have to hold his hand," he said. "He does a great job. We need more people like Erik. He's a wonderful kid."
McCullough, 20, of Des Moines, loves pets. She found out that Qualley, owner of Smitten Kitten, a cat-grooming service, needed some help bathing cats and cleaning the store.
"It's been great," Qualley said. "Kyra really loves being here; she's happy to do every job I give her. I've let her bathe the cats a few times, and each time I let her do more."
Patrick Cunningham, 20, of West Des Moines is busing tables at Drake Diner. Patrick, who has autism, seems to like the sequential routine of clearing the tables as the lunch crowd departs.
"It's awesome," he said of his job.
Patrick's father, Tom Cunningham, said the program has enabled his son to become more a part of the community and boosted his confidence.
"The whole Ruby Van Meter experience and work program have transformed him," he said. "Patrick has gone from a quiet, unconfident person to a person who actively engages people. He has a very strong work ethic and being able to channel that in a real life work experience has done wonders for his confidence and his ability to be successful."
Collins said she has worked over the years to attract businesses.
"I try to sell the community aspect of it," she said. "I tell them how other businesses participate. It seems to sell itself usually."
Sometimes, business owners are hesitant to commit to special-needs students, she said. They may believe the students won't be suited to the work or that they may be more trouble than other employees.
Students are covered by the school district insurance, Collins said. She said she works to match students to jobs at which she believes they will excel.
"For some kids, they see the relevancy in this, that their work is important," Collins said. "We're giving them an opportunity, a chance to succeed."
