June 28th, 2024, marked a historic and heartwarming day at ADEC’s Gaining Grounds Coffee House. The air was filled with excitement and pride as we celebrated the graduation of our first intern, Catalina, from the Gaining Grounds internship program. This momentous occasion was a testament to Catalina’s hard work, dedication, and a significant milestone for this inclusive community initiative.
In May 2022, Gaining Grounds embarked on a unique mission to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The result was the launching of a paid internship program designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and confidence to thrive in a competitive, integrated work environment. The program’s innovative structure, with six comprehensive training levels, ensures interns are well-prepared to advance and succeed.
Catalina began her internship with us in November 2022. With a determined spirit and a positive attitude, she committed to working two days a week, six hours each day. While at Gaining Grounds, Catalina tackled all the required internship tasks but thrived in cleaning and stocking, providing excellent customer service, shelving art, and decorating the gallery. Her consistent efforts and remarkable progress were evident at every step.
Catalina’s graduation was a joyous and emotional event on June 28th, 2024. Surrounded by her friends, family, and members of the ADEC community, Catalina was presented with a certificate of achievement, symbolizing her successful completion of the program. The ceremony was a beautiful reminder of what can be accomplished with determination, support, and opportunity. We were all filled with immense pride in Catalina’s achievements.
Catalina’s journey at Gaining Grounds Coffee House has been inspiring. She has not only grown in her professional skills but also in her confidence and self-assurance. Catalina now hopes to pursue employment at Martin’s or a similar organization. As she looks forward to these employment opportunities within the community, we do not doubt Catalina will continue to achieve great things. Her story is a shining example of the positive impact that inclusive programs can have, and we are incredibly proud to have been a part of her journey.
Congratulations, Catalina, on being the first Gaining Grounds Coffee House Internship Program graduate! Your hard work, dedication, and spirit have paved the way for many more to follow in your footsteps. Here’s to a bright and prosperous future!
