October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time to celebrate the talents, contributions and accomplishments of individuals in the workforce and recognize the importance of meaningful employment opportunities for people of all abilities.
At Goodwill Manasota, that commitment comes to life through partnerships with local schools, dedicated educators and team members who work together to help students gain valuable workplace experience and discover their potential.
For some students, this experience can become an important step toward future employment.
Learning, Growing and Contributing Together
The impact of these partnerships is felt by everyone involved, from students and teachers to the Goodwill team members who welcome them each week.
A School-to-Work Connection at Bayshore High
Shawn Walters, ESE teacher at Bayshore High School, shares:
“For Bayshore High School’s ESE students, involvement in Career Experience and opportunities to engage with the community to gain practical knowledge and experience are the first steps toward success in their careers. These businesses provide students with disabilities with valuable experience and help prepare them to be productive members of the workforce. By the end of the program, students learn time management, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and how to learn new skills and tasks.
Working at Goodwill Manasota allows our students to work with adults with disabilities. It shows them that employment is possible and that independent living is an attainable goal in life. The employees at Goodwill Manasota are role models in our students’ lives; it is a great opportunity for the ESE students of Bayshore High School and the School District of Manatee County.”
Exploring Career Possibilities at Easterseals Academy
Tanisha Matthews, an Easterseals Academy teacher, describes how students benefit from experiences beyond the classroom:
“This program has been amazing for my students because it gives them a chance to see what different jobs are like firsthand. They learn so much more than they can in a classroom, like how to communicate with customers or colleagues, and how to manage their time effectively. It really helps them figure out what they’re good at and what they might want to do after graduation.
We work with Goodwill Manasota because they have such a strong connection with local businesses and really focus on creating meaningful experiences for the students. They provide a structured environment with great support, and the variety of placements they offer means my students can find something that truly fits their interests and helps them grow.”
Luis Flores, a vocational teacher at Easterseals Academy, adds: “Goodwill provides my students with practical, real-world experience that helps them build skills they will need to help build their job skills. Because of the skills they are gaining from this experience, their confidence is building as well. The staff there are always friendly and welcoming, making our experience enjoyable every week.”
Building Confidence at Braden River High
Brittnie Balcom, an IND teacher at Braden River High School, has witnessed the growth these opportunities make possible. “Working in local businesses gives my students the opportunity to learn skills that simply can’t be fully taught inside a classroom. At the beginning of the year, many students are still developing confidence, independence, and workplace habits. Through hands-on experiences in the community, they learn how to communicate with supervisors and coworkers, follow directions, solve problems, manage responsibilities, and adapt to real-world expectations.
One of the most rewarding parts of the program is seeing the growth that happens over time. Students often begin the year needing frequent support and encouragement, but by the end of the year many are completing tasks more independently and taking pride in their work. Beyond building job skills, these experiences help students develop confidence, self-advocacy, and a sense of belonging within their community. Participating in on-the-job training allows them to discover their strengths and better prepare for life after high school.
Goodwill Manasota has been an incredible partner in providing meaningful work experiences for our students. The staff is welcoming, supportive, and genuinely invested in helping students learn and grow. Goodwill Manasota offers a variety of tasks that allow students to practice important workplace skills while contributing to the organization in a meaningful way.
I especially appreciate that Goodwill Manasota creates an environment where students feel valued and successful. The experience helps them build confidence, develop a strong work ethic, and see themselves as capable members of the workforce. It is wonderful to watch students take pride in their accomplishments and gain skills that will benefit them long after they leave high school.”
From Students to Valued Team Members
For Goodwill team members Loftin Searcy and Gabriel Silverio, opportunities to gain workplace experience as students helped lead to employment with the organization.
Both began their journeys through Easterseals Academy and later joined the Goodwill team. Loftin has worked at Goodwill Manasota for four years, and Gabriel is also celebrating four years with the organization. Their experiences illustrate how school-to-work partnerships can create a pathway for students to develop skills and build lasting careers beyond graduation.
Changing Lives Through the Power of Work
Behind every opportunity is a community of people working together: teachers who prepare students for the future, store leaders and team members who share their knowledge, and students who bring their unique strengths and enthusiasm to the workplace.
These partnerships are about more than gaining work experience. They’re about building relationships, recognizing potential and creating opportunities for people to contribute, grow and succeed.
As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we recognize the accomplishments of our team members, the dedication of our educational partners and the importance of creating workplaces where everyone has an opportunity to thrive.
Through the continued support of our community, every donation and purchase helps make Goodwill Manasota’s mission programs possible.
Together, we’re Changing Lives Through the Power of Work.
