Esperanza WorkReady participants Tabitha (left) and Edwin (right) with Carolyn Minor of Julius Meinl Coffee. The fantastic folks at Julius Meinl opened their doors to WorkReady participants so they could tour the facilities and learn from their baristas.
Tabitha is making huge strides at Esperanza!
Tabitha’s smile is beaming and wide as she tells us about her day in Esperanza Community Services’ WorkReady program. “I’m proud of my work,” says Tabitha, age 36. WorkReady is Esperanza’s program that supports developmentally disabled participants to build meaningful vocational skills that help them stay connected to the community. As a barista at Esperanza Café, our on-site coffee shop experience, Tabitha has learned vocationally relevant skills like how to prepare coffee, take a drink order, and make change. Tabitha has also gained tremendous self-confidence.
“I’m good at my job,” she continues. “We all do a good job.”
Before joining WorkReady, she would often shy away from talking to others. Now, Tabitha exudes leadership. When guests visit the program, Tabitha introduces herself and her fellow participants. “I like making new friends and showing them how much I can do. It makes me happy.” Tabitha’s transformation is a result of the tremendous strides she has made at Esperanza.
For 45 years, Esperanza has supported developmentally disabled individuals, and we have seen many achievements along the way. More than ever, we are ensuring that everyone is supported and challenged to continue learning skill that will help them become as independent as possible.
Financial support from individuals like you is critical to Esperanza’s ability to provide vital services for the adults and children we serve. When you make a tax-deductible donation to Esperanza, you are providing people with developmental disabilities with opportunities to learn and grow.
Please click here to make your contribution to Esperanza Community Services today. Thank you, and happy holidays from all of us at Esperanza Community Services!