Intellectually/Developmentally Disabled Adults Train for the Workforce Through Boca West Country Club and Unicorn Children’s Foundation Partnership

BOCA RATON, Fla., May 02, 2018 -- Adults, aged 18 to 24, with intellectual and developmental disabilities are training for the workforce thanks to a partnership between Boca West Country Club, Project SEARCH, Unicorn Children's Foundation and Unicorn Village Academy. 

Sharon Alexandra, Matthew Linderman, Susie Rutkowski, Melissa Burkhardt

Last week 11 of these adults participated in the Boca West Country Club Project SEARCH Skills Assessment Day in which they were paired one on one with the Club’s department heads.  During the half-day session, Boca West identified candidates for the August launch of a pre-employment internship-training program.  It is expected that all student interns will learn competitive, transferable, and marketable job skills and at least 74% of interns will find competitive and meaningful employment following completion of this intensive program.

“Unfortunately, 80% of adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities are unemployed despite their desire and ability to work,” said Sharon Alexander, CEO of the Unicorn Children’s Foundation.  “We are so grateful for our partnership with Boca West Country Club, which will help these candidates join the workforce and learn valuable skills.”

Boca West Country Club Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Matthew Linderman, CCM, met with the candidates and their families.  “The number one attribute we look for in a Boca West team member is attitude,” he said.   “We are so impressed with the great attitudes of these candidates and we are looking forward to welcoming them to the internship program.” 

About Boca West Country Club Project SEARCH

Boca West Country Club Project SEARCH will provide a job training internship program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities in August of 2018.  Interns will range in age from 18-24 years of age which makes it statistically more difficult for them to find jobs upon completion of high school.  By providing extensive internship opportunities, it is expected that at least 74% of interns will find competitive and meaningful employment following graduation.  Boca West Country Club will be the first private residential community in the world to participate in this internationally renowned program.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/ae80d728-7347-43f7-a843-3b3b4c33a45b