Kent County Today

Delaware State Chamber of Commerce issued the following announcement on Sept. 23.

Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore recently received a $25,000 grant through Discover Bank to support its Supported Employment program – a program which opens the door to meaningful work and competitive wages in the community for adults with intellectual disabilities, while providing employers with dedicated, productive employees. Each year, Easterseals partners with over 60 businesses around Delaware to recruit and train individuals with disabilities for their workplace.

“We are grateful for the continued, generous support of Discover Bank for our Supported Employment Program,” Easterseals President/CEO, Kenan Sklenar, said. “Easterseals Supported Employment Program helps people with intellectual disabilities find and train for a job in the community. Discover Bank’s support helps us continue this important program and gives people with intellectual disabilities, like Danny, the opportunity to play a vital role in their community.”

Danny Yonker has been a loyal and important employee at Staples in Dover for over 14 years. His employer and coworkers have come to rely on his dedication, organization and outgoing personality. Danny continued to work through the pandemic as an essential employee.

“COVID-19 has brought to light the critical role that ‘essential workers’ play in everyday society and I’m proud that many of our Easterseals Supported Employees are part of that essential workforce,” Sklenar said.

“We believe in helping people achieve brighter financial futures at Discover Bank. Providing opportunities for people of all abilities to work in the community and earn a competitive wage is a clear example of our values in action and is why we proudly support Easterseals’ Supported Employment Program,” President of Discover Bank, James J. Roszkowski, said.

Business who are interested in learning more about Easterseals Supported Employment Services should contact Jane Schuler at 302-221-2030 or email ESworks@esdel.org.

 

Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore offers a range of services, including children’s therapies, assistive technology, recreational camping, day programs for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, and respite services for caregivers. To learn more about how Easterseals helps children and adults with disabilities, call 1-800-677-3800 or visit www.de.easterseals.com.

Thanks to the Discover Bank grant, employees like Danny Yonker get to work their dream job while their Easterseals Supported Employment Specialist, like Jaclyn Deldeo-Tolbert, provide training and support, when needed, on the job. 

Original source can be found here.