Transitional employment sites are welcoming us back. Members have already hit the ground running in positions at Pines of Sarasota and Sunset Cadillac, with Sarasota Memorial Health Care System next to begin. In Supported Employment, there is a wide array of employers and job fields. Members hold positions in industries such as social services, administration, customer service, food service (both front of house and back of house), retail and more. Members in Transitional Employment receive the highest level of job support; however, all working members are supported by Academy job coaches as is appropriate and necessary for success.

The Clubhouse model is a fertile training ground for those who seek employment. The transformation from new member to experienced mentor to wage earner is gratifying and inspiring for all of us. Those who hold positions in the community almost always continue to attend the Academy, acting as a role model and motivator for those just beginning their journey. As this cycle continues, more and more members are regaining their footing in the culture of work, and able and proud to answer the age-old question: “what do you do?”

Pictured above are just a few members of the members who are back at work: Ian Churchill, Chantel Gingerich, Eric Broderick, Rebecca Wolsfon, Matthew Thomas and Carolyn Robinson.

In typical fashion, we begin the New Year by reflecting on our lives and setting goals for the future. Here are some of our New Year resolutions:

“Donate money to the homeless.” – Raheem Vassell • “Read more, spend time with nephews and learn as much as possible to be a great teacher.” – Terrell Henry • “Get healthier and lose weight.” – Dariel Paredes • “Continue my three-day per week Academy schedule.” – Kevin Luckner • “Maintain good health by practicing self-care.” – Jeff Jean • “Lose 10 pounds.” – Matt Thomas • “Volunteer more with the Florida Eagle Watch program.” – Joanne Campbell • “Act as if each day is the last day of my life.” – Lisa Hillje • “Reach a healthy weight for my physical wellness.” – Jerry Clancy • “Cultivate gratitude and count my blessings each day.” – William McKeever • “Spend more time with family and graduate from college.” – Vanessa Alcantara • “Lose weight.” – Torre-Anna Blakney • “Read a new book each month.” – Patty Haltinner • “Achieve a higher belt in Karate.” – Ben Burnside • “Be kind to animals.” – Anonymous • “Save more money.” – Aaron Collmer

We wish everyone a safe, healthy and bright 2021!

The Culinary Arts team outdid themselves with an Academy first: Housemade fettuccine! This labor of love began the day before it was to be served. The dough was made and then formed into rounds, and then chilled overnight. Next, members took turns feeding the dough through a pasta machine to stretch it. The trick, we learned, is in knowing how thin to get the dough. It takes many times through the machine, adjusting the settings at each pass to get it just right. The dough was then cut into the desired width and voila (!!) we had fettuccine! Ours was served with grilled shrimp, a little chopped tomato, fresh basil, and shaved parmesan. It just doesn’t get any better than this! As delicious as it tasted, what we are sure to remember is the experience of learning this new skill together. In the words of Academy member Matthew Thomas, “Wow! This is so much fun!”