Growing up is all about experience

Jacob is a typical high school student – he loves sports, music and school dances. Like most high school students, he wanted a summer job to earn some money of his own and to get some work experience for the future. In this tough economy, many young people are having a hard time finding work, particularly students like Jacob who have total blindness.

Judy Wolfe, a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor at the Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI), knew Jacob needed some assistance in finding a summer job. Judy referred him to the Job Training Project at The Iris Network. "Summer jobs are so important in helping us all learn what we like and don't like in the work world. I wanted Jacob to have the same chance to work and learn as his peers," Judy said. Susan Anderson, Job Training Project Coordinator made many business contacts on Jacob's behalf and located a great opportunity at the Residence Inn – Portland Waterfront.

Judy Judkins, General Manager of the 179 room hotel said, "We are brand new in the Portland area and the company has a real commitment to be part of the local community. The Iris Network is a great organization for us to partner with." Judy interviewed and hired Jacob for a part time position in the laundry room and with the hotel sold out every night all summer, there was a lot of laundry to do! ...Click here to read more