"The Arc, Susquehanna Valley, through BRIDGE, envisions self-advocates obtaining meaningful employment in the community, reaching maximum independence, rising above the poverty level, and having feelings of empowerment and fulfillment"

A free work preparatory program for individuals 18-30 years of age with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities
 

• Do you need help preparing for the workforce? 
• Do you need help discovering your strengths?
• Do you need a professional resume?
• Do you want to learn interview skills?
• Would you like to learn hands-on skills?

 
If you answered yes to any of these questions, BRIDGE can help!  Come join us on September 21, 2017, at 2:00 pm at The Arc offices! 
 
BRIDGE is a year-long program that offers support to help individuals with disabilities prepare for and find employment.  After successfully completing the BRIDGE program, you will:

• Know your strengths and weaknesses
• Have the soft skills most in demand by employers
• Have gained valuable hands-on experience
• Have an updated, professional resume
• Be able to successfully interview for a job

 
Remember….Orientation is scheduled for September 21 at 2:00 pm at The Arc offices, 15 S. Fifth Street, Sunbury.  Call (570) 286-1008 on or before September 19 to reserve your spot! 
 
For more information, contact Cheryl at (570) 286-1008 or e-mail progdir@thearcsusquehanna.org.

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BRIDGE SCHEDULE
October 2017 through December 2017
Bridge meets every Thursday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in Zion Lutheran Church, Sunbury
                                                                                                                                                                                   
 The first quarter of BRIDGE will focus on discovering interests, strengths, & weaknesses, and developing soft skills.

Phase 1
 
October:
5
Icebreaker activity, skills surveys, job maintenance survey, job situation card game,
Hand out paper bags for next week

12
Activity with paper bags, job situation card game, job features, making a SWOT outline (SWOT - strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats)

19
Soft skill of the week:  Dependability

26
Today’s activities will have a Halloween theme!  We will also have some great refreshments.  Come in costume if you want!  Soft skill of the week: Following directions.


 
November:
2
Soft skills of the week:  Enthusiasm & attitude

9
Soft skill of the week:  Flexibility

16
Today’s activities will have a Thanksgiving theme!  Refreshments will be served. 
Soft skill of the week:  Teamwork

23
 
 
 
NO BRIDGE – HAPPY THANKSGIVING!   

30
Soft skill of the week:  Confidence

 
December:
7
Soft skills of the week:  Problem solving & organization

14
Soft skills of the week:  Compassion & patience

21
In celebration of Christmas, our activities will have a holiday theme.  We will have Christmas treats for refreshments.  Bring a $3 gift to exchange if you like. 
Soft skill of the week:  Handling pressure

28
Soft skill of the week:  Communication

PHASE 2

January 4:  Stocking shelves – candy, Dunkin’ Donuts and KFC role plays, using help wanted ads (if time permits), attitude, community mapping 

January 11:  Computer skills with Brian

January 18:  Safe food handling, food storage, finding motivation

January 25:  Visit to Tony’s Custom Tailor Shop to learn to sew buttons, return to The Arc for refreshments, give out topics for sales presentations scheduled for February 1  


February 1:  Sales presentations, designing ads, personal fact sheets

February 8:  Safe food handling review, making hoagies (tentative)

February 15:  Valentine’s Day party.  Wear red and bring a snack to share.  Bagging groceries, job application practice, interview tips

February 22:  Making grilled cheese sandwiches, computer skills with Brian, decision making (if time permits)


March 1:  Professionalism, stocking shelves – gift certificates, filing, perception vs. reality 

March 8:  Counting change, business phone etiquette, proper lifting techniques, stocking shelves – pens

​March 15:  St. Patrick’s Day party – wear green and bring a snack to share.  Games include job prep trivia.  Enjoy a much-needed break! 

March 22:  The importance of networking, interview tips, mock interviews 

March 29:  Mock interviews, matching checks to invoices, building our resumes, business ethics 

​Resumes:  During Phase 2, Brian will begin working on visual resumes one-on-one.  

Knoebels Employment:  Jon Anderson, human resources director for Knoebels, was made aware that some of you are interested in employment in catering this summer.  Jon will speak with the catering department manager and get back to us.  

Applebee’s:  A visit to Applebee’s for some hands-on experience is in the works and may replace one of the above sessions.  Nathan Follmer, the general manager, will check with the assistant manager and get back to us with some dates.