PITTSTON, LUZERNE CO. (WOLF) — The Transition Academy Social Club (TASC) began its fall session at PA Inclusive Tuesday in Pittston, starting a 10-week program designed to help teens and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build friendships, strengthen life skills and prepare for future employment.
Director of Employment Bradee Ruhl said TASC gives staff a chance to better understand each participant’s interests, strengths and areas for growth.
“So our goal is that, as we work with these individuals, we’re integrating them into society. TASC, very simply, gives us an ability to work with these kids, give them workplace-readiness skills, self-advocacy skills and job-transfer skills, and really prepare them for the workforce they’re about to enter in just a couple of years,” said Ruhl.
During the 10-week session, students will work on skills such as professionalism, hygiene, communication with supervisors and coworkers, and learning how to identify and explain the strengths and interests they could bring to a workplace.
Beyond the classroom, TASC will also give participants opportunities to visit local businesses, learn about different workforce roles, complete community service projects and explore vocational interests while building friendships, trying new experiences and growing more confident and independent.
TASC is free to participants, and registration remains open throughout the 10-week session. Ruhl said students can join after the program has already begun, with staff working to catch them up on information covered in earlier meetings.
Pittston participants will continue meeting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday through Nov. 17 at 22 East St., Suite 3, while a TASC program in Scranton begins Wednesday at the same time at United Neighborhood Centers, 526 Cedar Ave., and will meet every week through Nov. 18.
More information about TASC is available on PA Inclusive’s website or Facebook page. Families can also contact Ruhl at 570-518-8005 or bruhl@painclusive.org.