Strawbridge School: Jon's Story
For Jon, a resident at the Board of Child Care since 2005, the agency’s Strawbridge School is giving him so much more than just an academic education. The school and its staff are preparing him for life.
Before coming to the Board of Child Care, Jon lived in other institutions where he says his behavior was “terrible.” BCC became his substitute family, giving him both a home and an education and helping him modify his behavior. “The best thing that has happened to me is moving to the Board of Child Care,” he says. “I’ve learned if you need help, just ask for it. If you don’t ask, how will anyone know?”
Jon used to attend a mainstream high school, but at Strawbridge, he says the smaller, structured setting and one-on-one instruction has helped him focus academically, while also giving him vocational skills and real world job experience. He will graduate from the school’s certificate program in 2011.
The Strawbridge School certificate program is individualized and structured for students unable to meet Maryland High School Diploma requirements. Much of the certificate program’s focus is on giving students vocational skills. Jon has flourished within this aspect of the program, taking part in the horticulture and culinary programs and becoming a skilled cook. He also plays on the school’s soccer and softball teams.
Now that Jon is 20-years-old and nearing graduation, Strawbridge staff are also making sure he has job skills so that he can successfully live on his own one day. Through the school’s work-study program, he works two days a week at a local animal shelter. He is treated as a regular employee, but Strawbridge pays him for his work and provides his transportation.
Bryan Rothstein, Assistant Principal and Vocational Director at Strawbridge, says Jon is very dedicated to the work-study program. “He goes above and beyond in the workplace. He is just a good worker in general. Hopefully he will get a permanent job out of this.”
Nicole Smith, Program Supervisor for the Baltimore residential campus where Jon lives, similarly describes Jon’s dedication to local volunteer and civic activities, including his participation in Boy Scouts and cooking meals at a homeless shelter.
“Anything he becomes involved in he throws his whole heart into,” Nicole says. “Despite all the wrongs he’s experienced in his past, he strives to make the world a better place.”
For all of his accomplishments, the Maryland Association of Resources for Families and Youth recently gave Jon a youth achievement award for his exemplary community service and volunteer work.
Learn more about the Strawbridge School.
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