Meet Hannah: Supported Training & Employment Program Graduate
The Children's Services Council of Broward County proudly funds the Supported Training and Employment Program (STEP) in Broward County for youth ages 16-21. STEP is year-round and offers development and employment experience to prepare youth with disabilities for post-secondary education, training and employment opportunities. Services are designed to help youth with the following:
- Meet their individual employment and education goals;
- Gain self-advocacy and improve social skills;
- Connect to living, educational, and employment support services; and
- Develop a sense of belonging to the community
In this video above, Hannah Messer, a graduate of STEP, talked about the job responsibilities she had at Publix Supermarkets, her work hours, the training she received in the program and her future plans. What do her co-workers and customers have to say about her? "They love my smile, they love my funniness and kindness," said Messer.
Her mother, Kristi Messer, discussed learning about STEP at Cypress Bay High School and how STEP has prepared her daughter for employment. She also expressed her gratitude toward Publix, the YMCA of South Florida and the Children's Services Council for their commitment to helping Hannah and other STEP participates excel in the program.
"I'm a firm believer that everyone is capable. They just need different types of help. And for her, like many people, the hands-on training was the most important aspect," said Hannah's mother. She added, "She can certainly be capable of working at a grocery store, but she just needed some practice."
For more information on STEP or any other programs funded by the CSC, visit www.cscbroward.org and search for "Funded Program Directory."
The Children's Services Council of Broward County is an independent taxing authority which was established by a public referendum on September 5, 2000, and reauthorized via referendum on November 4, 2014, which, through Public Act, Chapter 2000-461 of the laws of Florida, authorized the Council to levy up to 0.5 mills of property taxes. The role of the Council is to provide the leadership, advocacy and resources necessary to enhance children's lives and empower them to become responsible, productive adults through collaborative planning and funding of a continuum of quality care. To learn more about programs and services the Children's Services Council funds, please call (954) 377-1000.
Above content provided by Children's Services Council of Broward County.
