Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, students with disabilities at White Mountain Regional School District in Whitefield, NH, have a brand new ticket to a world of adventure, education, and real-world experiences.
The CMF Kids Van is ready to roll out!
One of the biggest barriers for community engagement for individuals with disabilities in the North Country is transportation. Of course, transportation in general in New Hampshire is an omnipresent need, and is only exacerbated when population is less and distances are greater.
“Transportation in the North Country is always a challenge,” says Shelli Roberts, Director of Student Services for White Mountain Regional School District. “We need transportation so we can get our students to real world experiences outside the walls of the school, including vocational training, community work, and volunteer placement.”
CMF Kids responded to this challenge. White Mountain was one of the first partners to work with CMF Kids and their request was a simple one: an 11 passenger van. When you hear about how critical getting from Point A to Point B is for the district’s special education opportunities, something as unassuming as a van turns into so much more. It becomes a key to unlocking a future of success and independence.
“It’s huge,” says Robin Mauro, Life Skills Teacher for White Mountains Regional High School. “Transportation is the key to what the program is all about, which is developing students as a whole person. It’s not just academics, but vocational opportunities, recreation, and being out in the community. Without transportation we really can’t do that.”
Mason: Rock Star Employee
Mason is a hard worker. The 21 year-old high school student receives special education services from White Mountain Regional High School and works closely with Robin. Four days a week he can be found out in the community at his treasured job at Weeks Medical Center.
“I work at the hospital,” he says. “Me and Ms. McGee do the drinks, snacks, and all that stuff.”
Ms. McGee is a paraeducator and rehabilitative assistant for the district and Mason’s job coach. The two are a common sight in the hallways as Mason stays busy, darting around he ensures that there are plenty of goodies stocked in the vending machines.
“Mason is a popular guy wherever he goes,” Rboni says. “We love him here and they love him there.”
How popular is he? The kitchen recently introduced “The Mason Special” to the menu chicken, fries, green peepers, and coleslaw.
“He is a great worker and has a great personality,” Robin says. “Sometimes he needs just a little extra help.”
So, Mason, what is your favorite part of the job? “I like putting the drinks in and I like my coworkers,” he says.
And what do you want to spend your money on? “Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh cards. And Doritos and Mountain Dew!”
Spoken like a true 20 year-old.
The Wheels of Impact Turn
None of that Mason magic happens without a conveyance. Indeed, it is often the smallest of obstacles that can limit the potential of people eager for opportunity. That is why the CMF Kids van is a literal gamechanger; with this vehicle now part of the White Mountain fleet, students like Mason can discover the joy of community participation – and the reward of a day’s worth of honest work.
“It’s a huge thing to get kids out in the workplace,” Shelli says. “It brings a benefit to everyone. A lot of community members get a chance to see all students regardless of ability or disability find purpose and a place.”
For White Mountain students, these places include Weeks Memorial Hospital, the Littleton Co-op (a community grocery store), K9 Funtown in Twin Mountain (a pet care facility), Shilling’s Brewery in Littleton, even the Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods.
“It’s a huge thing to get kids out in the workplace. It brings a benefit to everyone. A lot of community members get a chance to see all students regardless of ability or disability find purpose and a place.”
The CMF Kids van will bring students to these and more unique, exciting vocational opportunities now and in the future. All thanks to you.
“I wish Crotched Mountain’s donors can see the happiness they are bringing,” Robin says. “The joy and self pride in the students is amazing. It’s so important to have the resources to do what you need to help these students have the best life possible. I am extremely grateful.”
What say you, Mason?
“I’ve got the happiest life ever.”