Several local organizations are participating in a Garland ISD program through which special needs students have an opportunity to learn job skills. The students, all 18-22 years of age, have completed the academic requirements of high school and are now in GISD’s TRAIN program.
The program serves various purposes, but one of the most important is vocational training. Amy Mougia, vocational adjustment coordinator and Prissy Roberts, job coach, both GISD employees, work with the young people, along with local businesses and nonprofits, to provide job tasks and training. The students perform tasks on-site in an effort to determine what jobs might be right for them.
Some find that they want to pursue employment and others, along with their families, decide that they are better suited to attend a day program or other activity. Mougia said that they want the students to do what is best for them.
“If they get jobs in the community or volunteer in the community or go to a day program that is appropriate for them, that’s great,” she said. “We just want them to be as independent as they possibly can, learn as many skills as they can and not be overlooked because they have special needs.”
The students also participate in community service tasks because Mougia, believes that it is important for them to learn the importance of helping others.
“We want them to understand that there are people who need help and that making a pa
ycheck is good, but helping others is important, too,” she said.
One of the businesses currently providing the students an opportunity to learn job skills is Picker’s Paradise in downtown Garland. Roberts coaches the students through job tasks.
“I’ll show them what they need to do at a job and they watch me and pick it up,” she said. “If I see something needs to be fixed, I correct it right away. I treat them just like I would anyone else.”
They work with Michael at Picker’s Paradise where they sort items, clean, repair furniture, build shelves and tables and more.
Michael finds working with the students both rewarding and inspiring. He added that Ed Standridge and Trudy Jackson, owners of Picker’s Paradise, have giving hearts and like helping others.
Ruthie, one of the students in the program, does great work while learning job skills at both Picker’s Paradise and CATO and has plans for the future.
“I want to work in a bakery and my sister is teaching me how to bake holiday things now,” she said.
Victor, another student who helps out at Picker’s Paradise and Salvation Army, is good at repairing things and organizing items. He would like to land a permanent job in a warehouse after he finishes the GISD program.
Mougia said that the kids feel important when they are out working.
“They come back and talk about what they did and they’re excited,” Mougia said. “They feel good about doing something, being productive and learning a new skill.”
The students also enjoy working at Garland Pawsibilities where they work hard and know they are making a difference for the animals.
“We are trying to make them more independent and I’m seeing that happen,” Mougia said. “We teach them to feel good about themselves and to go out and do what they can do.”
They have also started their own business venture. They have designed and produced a line of greeting cards, notepads and coasters that they sell in the community. Items are available for purchase at Picker’s Paradise, 915 Main Street in downtown Garland.
In addition to learning job skills, the students have classroom time where they learn about money management, social skills, how to act appropriately in the community and how to greet people. They are also taught to travel on DART and use that skill to learn about grocery shopping, eating out and going to the library.
About Picker’s Paradise: In 2014, the household liquidation service Reliable Estates Services, LLC, had exceeded its storage space. We rented a warehouse a few blocks from historic downtown Wylie, named it “Pickers Paradise” and opened it to the public as well as vendors. When the owner of the warehouse decided to demolish it, we purchased a warehouse at 915 Main Street in downtown Garland. Pickers Paradise is a place to find anything from rare antique furniture to nearly new items, books both rare and current and collectibles.
About New Beginning Center: On Sept. 1, Hope’s Door and New Beginning Center merged. Both have provided services to individuals overcoming partner and family violence for more than 30 years. The larger organization will provide services to a greater number of clients at seven locations in Collin, Denton, Rockwall and Dallas counties. Their programs will serve more than 13,000 people. The shelters in Garland and Plano house 55 people at any given time, and together, they provide shelter to approximately 750 individuals each year.
About Pawsibilities: Formerly known as Garland Bark Park, it is a 501(c)3 nonprofit volunteer organization. The volunteers share one common passion – we love our dogs and cats. Our focus is to help the Garland Shelter adopt out more dogs and cats and promote the need for spay and neutering of pets. The Garland Shelter takes in approximately 10,000 dogs and cats each year.
About Salvation Army: The organization is an international movement, an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
About CATO: As a leading specialty retailer of women’s fashions and accessories, Cato is committed to offering high quality fashions at low prices every day.