Shepherd Gives Fairhaven Students Work Experiences

NILES, Ohio – Shepherd of the Valley-Niles partnered with the Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities’ Fairhaven program to provide a site for students to have work study experiences.

This year, the Niles campus worked with its 20th class from Fairhaven. Each year Shepherd typically works with a few Fairhaven students, who spend three days each week working there. Most complete their time in dietary, housekeeping or maintenance.

Austin Gould, a student in Fairhaven’s class of 2015, participated in work study at Shepherd of the Valley. The Niles campus  held a graduation party for Gould and invited his family and friends to participate

“We have had great success working with Fairhaven’s program due to the students and staff,” said Rich Mendenhall, Shepherd director of environmental services.

“Fairhaven has a great program,” he continued. “The students are always eager to learn and have great work ethic. Our staff takes the time to get to know the students and takes them under their wing. It has been a win-win for everyone involved.”

Last year, Niles decided to hire one of the students that Fairhaven had placed with them. Casey Boulton is one of Niles’ part-time housekeepers and has been an asset to the staff.

“Casey does a great job. We are happy that Shepherd of the Valley was a good fit for her,” Mendenhall said. “She works very hard and the staff and residents appreciate her. Her success story is a testament to Fairhaven’s program.”

Pictured: Graduate Austin Gould with Rick Mattix, associate director at Shepherd of the Valley-Niles, at a graduation celebration for Gould.

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