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At Vista Autism Services, skill development is central to empowering clients to find meaningful employment. One shining example is the Vocational Assessment Center in Hershey, created by Career Developer Shannon Assman in partnership with Hershey United Methodist Church. This space provides clients with the opportunity to assess and practice job-related tasks in an environment that replicates real workplaces, including a commercial-grade kitchen for food service scenarios.
Using industry-specific kits for fields like food and beverage, hospitality, retail, and warehouse work, clients explore realistic tasks such as sorting and polishing silverware, folding pizza boxes, filling salt and pepper shakers, and preparing cookie dough. Thanks to the church’s kitchen and donated supplies, clients can learn and practice these skills in an authentic setting, fostering confidence and helping them identify roles that align with their interests and abilities.
To bring this successful model to more clients, we hope to expand to additional areas where we provide services, including Lebanon, Lancaster, York, and Cumberland counties. However, this growth relies on continued community support.
How You Can Help We’re seeking donations to support these efforts, including:
If you know of a space outside the Hershey area that could host a similar program or would like to donate items, please reach out. Together, we can expand this program, helping clients build skills and confidence across more communities.
Contact Us To support this effort, email us at [email protected] or visit our website for more information on donation opportunities.
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