What kind of employment to pursue after graduation is something every student needs to figure out, and that’s no different for the students experiencing complex disabilities and communication needs in our Life Enrichment Education Program. LEEP’s post-high classes serving students aged 18-21 focus on developing knowledge and skills necessary for their transition from high school student to adult community member. Each of our LEEP students has unique interests and capabilities to offer employers, and learning about job opportunities that fit their skills and interests is an integral part of the post-high curriculum.
About once a month, LEEP’s post-high classes visit local employers that offer employment opportunities for individuals experiencing disabilities. Past job visits include Ace Hardware, Koida Nursery, Clackamas County Dog Services and Happy Valley Library. In October 2023, the LEEP post-high classes at Clackamas High School and Clackamas Community College visited Deseret Industries Thrift Store and Donation Center in Happy Valley.
A Deseret Industries representative welcomed the post-high students with open arms and gave them a tour of the company’s facilities and operations. From intake of donations at the loading dock to sorting and pricing items to stocking items in the retail store, students got a taste of what it might be like to work in a thrift store donation center. Several students were excited by warehouse tools like forklifts and the variety of treasures that find new life at the donation center.
“Many of our students are very good at sorting and can shelf items,” said Richard Lee, LEEP teacher on special assignment. “A job in a supportive environment like Deseret Industries builds relationships with individuals in the community outside of their families and classmates and increases their independence, confidence, and self-esteem.”
Deseret Industries is a nonprofit retail business that is dedicated to helping individuals facing barriers to employment find and maintain gainful employment. Learn more about their mission and work at deseretindustries.org.
