Mayor Asay presents Resolution #2024-0426 Recognizing National Disability Awareness Month And Local Businesses that Employ Disabled Adults
Mayor Asay presents Resolution #2024-0425 Recognizing the Ridge High School Work Based Learning Program And Local Businesses that Participate Photo Credit: R. Watts
Mayor Asay presents Resolution #2024-0426 Recognizing National Disability Awareness Month And Local Businesses that Employ Disabled Adults Photo Credit: R. Watts
Mayor Asay presents Resolution #2024-0425 Recognizing the Ridge High School Work Based Learning Program And Local Businesses that Participate Photo Credit: R. Watts
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By Rae Watts
Published November 27, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Last updated November 27, 2024 at 9:05 AM
BASKING RIDGE, NJ – The Bernards Township Committee honored local businesses that employ disabled students and adults at their November 12, 2024 meeting. Bernards Township Mayor Jennifer Asay expressed her gratitude to “the wonderful businesses within Bernards Township that help to support our youth with disability in terms of employment-based learning and actual employment.”
The Bernards Township Committee began by recognizing the Ridge High School Work-Based Learning Program, and the local businesses that participate.
Asay explained, “we are a proud community of all our children.” She praised the school district for providing great experiences for youth with disabilities and thanked the local businesses for providing “opportunities beyond traditional education.”
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Resolution #2024-0425 states “that the Township Committee of the Township of Bernards extends its sincere gratitude to the following businesses for their partnership and dedication to the work-based learning program at Ridge High School: Travel Magic, Bernards Township Department of Public Work,s Bernards Township Town Hall, Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church, Hills of Herat, Riverwalk Pharmacy, Soup Shoppe, Welcome to Our Neighborhood, Barrister Coffee House, Pizza DaNapoli, Priscilla's Pantry, YMCA, Washington House, and Ridge Sweet Shoppe.”
Ben Donaghy, Ridge High School Special Education teacher, thanked the mayor for recognizing the Ridge Work-Based Learning Program. He thanked the students, the parents “that are the heart of this program,” and the businesses that “give our students the opportunity to engage in valuable work.”
Joseph Flynn, Ridge High School Special Education teacher, explained the importance of the work-based learning program which allows the students to be out in the community practicing soft skills they would not be able to practice in school. According to Flynn, “This program provides the opportunity to have our students and young adults work out in the community and really feel what it’s going to be like not just in a work environment but to be out in a different setting.” He thanked the businesses, without whom the program “would not exist,” by saying “you are what prop us up.” Flynn encouraged residents to “engage with our young people” around town, adding, “unfortunately our population is overlooked or people are timid to interact with them.” He concluded, “You’ll be amazed by them and their capabilities and what they have to offer.”
Through Resolution #2024-0426, the committee also recognized National Disability Awareness Month and honored businesses that provide employment to disabled adults including The Bernards Township Library, Somerset Hills YMCA, Ridge Oak Senior Housing, Aramark, Stop & Shop and Washington House.
Committeewoman Ana Duarte McCarthy said, “This is a wonderful resolution. It speaks to inclusion and it speaks to diversity.” Committeeman Andrew McNally told the local businesses that participate, “You really provide an opportunity for members of our community to really flourish and contribute in meaningful ways to your businesses.”
Asay thanked the businesses by saying, “It’s a significant commitment that you make and as a Bernards Township Resident, I prioritize and I value organizations that value all.”
Gil Matamoros Director of Food Service at Aramark in Basking Ridge school district, spoke about the ways Aramark is involved both in the work-based learning program and as an employer of adults with disabilities. According to Matamoros, Aramark “prides itself on being an equal-opportunity employer and that naturally includes individuals with special needs.” He explained, “Some of our differently-abled associates have been with us for more than 15 years” and to “highlight their strengths and increase their confidence nowadays some of them come with job coaches to help them train.” Although this type of training requires extra time, Matamoros feels “they are absolutely work the effort.” Aramark also participates in the work-based learning program at Ridge High School by giving students an opportunity to work in the cafeteria. Matamoros said that aside from this opportunity for the students to gain real world experience, it also teaches the other employees “some valuable skills they may not otherwise be able to develop, such as tolerance, compassion and patience.” He closed his remarks by reminding everyone that not only is the company proud of their employees and students with disabilities, “we thrive because of it and because of them.”