part of a learning community where they discover strengths, practice professional skills and contribute to thriving social enterprises in the heart of Appalachia,” Smith says.
To prepare for Junior Crew, participants go through the Challenge Program: a few days of rotation through the different enterprises, where they earn a fresh résumé and a food handler license, that gives participants a taste of each department before they make a commitment to one.
Smith says the different departments offer unique learning experiences. The bakery helps build confidence through precision and consistency, the market promotes hospitality and responsibility and the glass studio takes youth into the world of creativity and discipline.
“ Beyond the technical skills, each space helps youth experience belonging, purpose and contribution,” he says.“ No matter where they land, Junior Crew members see their work as part of something bigger— helping create a thriving community where what they do really matters.”
The Junior Crew program not only provides youth with a job but an opportunity for personal growth and insight into the opportunities available to them. By encouraging them to discover new interests, the program helps guide them into a future career and prove they can make a meaningful impact while staying in Appalachia.
Not every child learns at the same pace, and for those with learning disabilities, it can be difficult to excel without one-on-one, specialized education. Jill Scarbro is addressing this issue through the Bright Futures Learning Services program. Growing up with dyslexia, Scarbro
Photo by Farms Work Wonders. relied on a strong support system that helped her succeed. Her experience working with a young boy named Mike with developmental challenges through a home-based Applied Behavior Analysis( ABA) program at Marshall University further inspired her to earn an ABA degree from the University of North Texas, helping those like herself and Mike get the support they need.
Along with supporters and parents, Scarbro built Bright Futures, providing therapy to children that addresses their educational needs. She says the program does not follow a one-size-fits-all approach, as each child is unique.
At Bright Futures, behavior analysts begin by sitting down with families to understand what their priorities are and how they can improve quality of life for families and their children. They then assess the child’ s abilities and learning
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