LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — New Hope Community, which provides support and services for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, celebrated Joel Salas and his accomplishment.
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LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — New Hope Community, which provides support and services for people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities, celebrated Joel Salas and his accomplishment.
He is the first employee to earn a GED certificate through New Hope’s associate direct support professional program. Salas, 19, was hired at New Hope Community in September 2021 after moving to Loch Sheldrake from Yonkers. He started in the newly established program the following month.
“The staff at New Hope Community were so welcoming to me and really made me feel comfortable,” Salas said. “This was exactly what I needed to get my life on track and start my professional career.”
This new program is the first and only of its kind among all other volunteer-provider agencies under the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). It affords those who currently do not have high school diplomas the opportunity to obtain their GED certificate within six months of their date of hire.
Melissa Martinez, day program coordinator, is the mentor for the program.
“We meet biweekly to discuss their progress, any potential issues and/or successes they are having,” Martinez said. She works with Literacy Volunteers of Sullivan County, to make sure there is “proper support and guidance for each staff member in the program.”
Once it has been determined the staff member is ready, they take the GED exam and, if they pass it, become a direct support professional at New Hope.
“This program provides an opportunity for employment, creates a pathway to earning a GED, and ultimately supports the realization of an important personal achievement,” said Debra McGinness, CEO at New Hope Community.
“I never would have expected this opportunity and I’m so grateful to New Hope for it. This will help others like me bring so much more to the table professionally. It does more than put money in your pocket; it lifts your spirits. People will be proud of you. And, to know you’re helping others in the process really feels great,” Salas said.
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