Crista Seamons helps during Circle Time in the ABC Classroom.
Crista Seamons has spent the last 2 1/2 months working at the CPD as a child care assistant for the Up to 3 Early Intervention ABC classroom. Crista works a few hours, three days a week at the CPD, helping to care for the siblings of children attending the ABC classroom with their parent. She also helps in the classroom, singing with the children and helping out at snack time. When asked how she liked it here, Crista said, “I enjoy it really good. I love little children.”
Crista came to the CPD through a business internship program with the local Deseret Industries (DI) Store in Logan. Last fall, CPD director, Dr. Bryce Fifield, contacted the DI to involve the CPD in their internship program. Since that time, five associates have worked at the CPD in various capacities that match their interests and skills. This program helps the Center meet its goal of helping people with disabilities become independent, but, more importantly, provides an opportunity for them to improve skills that will help them to get a job in the workforce.
Crista’s experience here at the CPD is over now, but she will move on to other work experiences that are coordinated through the DI. Eventually, we know that Crista will be able to find a job that will match her skills and interests and help her to become more confident and independent. This has been a win-win situation for Crista and for those at the CPD who were able to work with her. Good luck, Crista!
In this time of insecurity and fear for what the future may hold, it is encouraging to know that there are programs like this that help many people. I applaud Deseret Industries for giving people a chance to improve their lives.
You can learn more about the business internship partnership between the CPD and the DI in our November 2008 Newsflash Newsletter.