Discovering Your Potential
A Transition Program at Gulfstream Goodwill
Interview with Jennifer Lewenec, Employment Consultant at Gulfsteam Goodwill
Stephanie Symonds with the support
group Special Needs Family Connection had
the delight of interviewing Jennifer Lewenec,
Employment Consultant for the Discover
Your Potential program at Gulfstream Goodwill.
Discover Your Potential is a three year
pilot program with the purpose to increase
employment outcomes for individuals with
Autism and other unique abilities. The
program allows participants to see beyond
their disability, to realize their full potential
so they do not become limited by their
diagnosis.
Discover Your Potential is an innovative
program that connects individuals to Vocational
Rehabilitation services. The expected
outcome is to increase employment for
individuals with unique abilities by assisting
them with the necessary tools for success.
This is accomplished by helping participants
discover their inner purpose and passions,
implementing trainings, and placing needed
employment supports.
To join this program there is an interview
process. Candidates must be at least 18 years
old. Goodwill does a screening to determine
the goals of the potential client. Once they
obtain necessary information they will see
how they can best connect employment opportunities
to participant hobbies, passions,
interests and goals. Candidates may also
share dislikes and needs for accommodations.
Once accepted into the program, participants
go through the training process. They
learn about building a resume, interviewing
skills, how to dress for work, building
a successful life with a career driven focus,
self-advocacy, life skills, social skills, etc.
The program currently has 27 participants,
and they accept four new individuals every
quarter. Goodwill performs home visits, onthe
job training, and works with community
businesses to connect individuals to desired
jobs. Coaches are available to help with job
issues that may arise. The program helps
build skills for successful employment and
motivation to achieve goals.
In addition to employment skills training,
clients participate in social peer led activities.
12 www.BrightFeats.com
The social activities are available for no cost
to participants. Common outings include:
PGA Golf lessons, The Escape Room,
and Art Classes. One time they became a
Weather Sensor and each person received certification
as a storm watcher. They even went
to Comic Con! How exciting is that?
Some of the businesses they partner with
include:
• Computer Repair Shops
• Independent Doctors Office
• Music Store (Independently owned)
• Accounting/Inventory
• Dog Groomer (Small Business)
• Insurance office (Private)
Program participants get paid, gain real
world experiences, and increase knowledge
toward the goal of independence.
Success Story
One of the many program success stories
includes that of a young lady who is showing
potential to be hired with the employer. She
creates graphics for her employer and uses
social media to help draw clients to the private
company. She also does accounting work
and enjoys it. She has achieved her goals for
employment, adjusted to her environment
and is open to gaining more knowledge for
her continued success.
To learn more about the Discover Your Potential
program at Gulfstream Goodwill contact
Jennifer Lewenec at (772) 337-0077 or visit
www.gulfstreamgoodwill.org/dyp.
/www.BrightFeats.com
/dyp