Luxury senior living community Wellington Bay is proud to announce a new collaborative partnership with the Els for Autism® Foundation to host their Work Experience program.
This initiative, which officially launched on April 6th, provides adults with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities the opportunity to gain essential hands-on vocational training within a professional hospitality and healthcare environment.
“We are incredibly grateful for the commitment of host sites like Wellington Bay,” said Loden Coleman, Manager of Employment Programs at the Els for Autism Foundation. “They are not only providing a space for our participants to build meaningful, real-world skills, but also creating opportunities for residents and staff to experience firsthand the unique talents and contributions individuals with autism bring to the workplace. Partnerships like this are essential in changing perceptions and opening doors to inclusive employment.”
A strong advocate of strengthening community ties, Wellington Bay is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive.
By serving as a partner site, Wellington Bay is helping to bridge the gap between education and paid employment for adults with autism spectrum disorder.
“We are incredibly excited about this collaboration with Els for Autism,” said Jay Mikosch, Campus Executive Director of Wellington Bay. “At Wellington Bay, we believe in the power of engaging community through meaningful partnerships. We are proud to welcome these talented individuals into our family. Watching them develop their skills alongside our team is a rewarding experience for our residents and our staff.”
The 10-week program, running through June 11th, features three participants working shifts on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
The interns are currently gaining experience in high-impact areas: one participant is training in Administration, while two are gaining skills in Culinary Services.
Demonstrating the program’s goal of career exploration, one culinary participant plans to transition to a floor technician role for the second half of the program to diversify their skill set.
To ensure a successful integration, Els for Autism provided comprehensive sensitivity training to the Wellington Bay staff prior to the program’s start. Throughout the duration of the internship, an Els for Autism Employment Specialist/Job Coach remains on-site to support both the participants and the Wellington Bay supervisors, fostering independence and creating natural supports within the workplace.
The Work Experience program is designed for adults ages 18+ who have completed high school and are seeking to enter the workforce. Upon completion of the 10-week session, a celebratory banquet will be held to honor the graduates’ hard work and achievements.
Wellington Bay joins an esteemed group of partner sites, including Jupiter Medical Center and PGA National Resort, in demonstrating that inclusive hiring and specialized vocational training add significant value to the local business community.
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About Wellington Bay
Wellington Bay is a luxury rental retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, respite care, and advanced memory care at the Lisbet Health Center, located onsite in Wellington, Florida. The community is dedicated to supporting active aging and vibrant living, offering something for everyone.
Named one of the “Best Places to Retire” by Money Magazine, Wellington boasts a thriving equestrian community, premier golf courses, and scenic neighborhoods.
Wellington Bay is owned and operated by Liberty Senior Living, LLC, a division of Liberty Healthcare Management specializing in senior living communities. To learn more about Liberty Senior Living and its communities, visit www.LibertySeniorLiving.com.
About Els for Autism®
Els for Autism is devoted to helping children and adults with autism and their families have a better life. Our purpose is to help people with autism of all abilities reach their fullest potential and live meaningful, fulfilling lives, while supporting the caregivers who walk alongside them.
Els for Autism was established in 2009 by Former World No. 1, World Golf Hall of Famer, and four-time Major Champion Ernie Els, his wife Liezl, and Publisher and Founder of M. Shanken Communications Marvin R. Shanken. The Els’ son, Ben, is impacted by autism, and their personal journey inspired a lifelong commitment to creating better outcomes and brighter futures for individuals with autism.
