By: Jeanne Scheets, ARC of Indiana—
Indianapolis, IN—Erskine Green Training Institute (EGTI), a program of The Arc of Indiana Foundation, is pleased to announce that Joshua Tank from Albany recently graduated from its Prep Cook program. Graduation ceremonies were Friday, June 30 at 6 p.m. at EGTI housed in the Courtyard Muncie at Horizon Convention Center.
Robert Peckinpaugh from Muncie also recently graduated from its Front Desk Agent program.
The Arc of Indiana Foundation exists to create postsecondary training opportunities for people with disabilities that empower and lead to meaningful employment through its program, Erskine Green Training Institute. After receiving training at EGTI, students apply those skills through internships at the Courtyard Muncie and Thr3e Wise Men Brewing Co., and at IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. Students live, work and play at the Courtyard Muncie and EGTI, and have many opportunities to explore the Muncie community. The opportunity to develop friendships, increase independent living skills and engage in hands-on learning is all critical in our whole person approach to help each student not only be job ready, but life ready.
EGTI’s programming is designed for individuals whose academic, social, communication and adaptive skills are affected due to a disability. Most applicants would have received special education services in the K-12 setting and exited their secondary school with a diploma, GED or certificate of completion though EGTI accepts candidates who dropped out from their high school experience. EGTI is a certificate program (not an accredited college degree program). Participants may also earn additional industry recognized certifications depending upon the program selected.
At the beginning of each training session, students receive instruction on topics within health and wellness as well as other life skills such as using public transportation. All training sessions are broken down into sequential units that are individually taught during classroom and lab time. Once students have shown proficiency in a unit, job-shadowing and hands-on opportunities are scheduled for those skills. Skills build upon one another until students have mastered the entire job. At this point, internships begin. Internship hours and work readiness skills are the focus during the last month of each training session. Classroom time is scheduled around internship hours. Work readiness topics include a variety of job search, acquisition and retention skills, and interpersonal and personal quality skills necessary for employment.
Ranging in length between ten and 13 weeks, students have a choice of vocational training including: Front Desk Agent and Heart of House (housekeeping) in a hotel, Patient Transporter, Environmental Services and Nutrition Services in a hospital, or Prep Cook, Dishwasher, Server Assistant, Server and Host in a restaurant. More programming is in development for the future.
Students live, work and play at the Courtyard Muncie and have many opportunities to explore the Muncie community. Students may also choose to commute. A meal plan is included in the room and board fee and offers several dining choices including those available at Ball State University. Supervised evening and weekend stays and outings are part of the well-rounded student experience. An overnight staff person is provided as well as nurse consultation during specific hours throughout the week. The opportunity to develop friendships, increase independent living skills and engage in hands-on learning is all critical in our whole person approach to help each student not only be job ready, but life ready.
You may visit www.erskinegreeninstitute.org for complete information, to schedule a visit, links to social media, ways to donate, and e-newsletter sign up.
