On July 25th, the Envision Success Project (ESP) traveled to Whip City Animal Sanctuary, a non-profit animal care facility in Westfield, Massachusetts. ESP’s new farming program aims to educate students about the agricultural industry, its many modes of operation, and the ways it benefits individuals and communities alike.
News
Program Coordinator Josh Pearson Wins Carroll Society Award 2023
The Polus Center is proud to announce that our Program Coordinator Josh Pearson has won the Carroll Society Award for 2023!
Polus launches 4th year of Employment for Young Adults with Disabilities training program
Through a generous grant from the Commonwealth Corporation, Polus is again offering a Grocery and Retail Associate training program for young adult job seekers (age 18- 35).
Two classes are being offered in 2023, beginning May 8th and June 5th 2023.
Happy Retirement to Finance Director Laure Close
The Polus Center was sad to say goodbye in April to retiree Laure Close, who has been the Director of Finance and Administration for over 10 years.
Envision Success Project (ESP) begins 5th season with in-person activities
This year marks the Polus Center’s 5th season of the Envision Success Project (ESP), a “Pre- Employment Transition Service” supported by the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) that provides career exploration, work readiness training, internships, post-high school planning and advocacy skills for teens who are blind or visually impaired.
First Human Services Training Program Graduates Leave “Tired but Inspired”
In September of 2022, Polus launched a two-year project aimed at preparing individuals for a successful career in the human services and nonprofit sector. The second of six sessions concluded in February.
Using a Person-centered Approach to Build Jordan’s National Rehabilitation Capacity
Person-centered services are the opposite of one-size-fits-all services that focus on delivering a single service to a maximum number of people. For Akram Ramini, ADT’s Executive Director, “it is important to take the long view by helping people not only recover from their wounds but to lead meaningful and productive lives, and to become future leaders who will advocate for victims of conflict throughout the world.”
Access to the Arts – Broadway in Boston Free Audio-Described Theater Opportunity
To Kill a Mockingbird, April 10, 2022
The Polus Center, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, is pleased to offer “Access to the Arts” -- opportunities for adults who receive MCB services to participate in community arts activities such as music, theater, and museums.
Visions Toward Success Video: An Interview with Author Andrew Leland
The second of two interviews conducted by Victoria and Olivia Leger—with the guidance of Videographer Cam Adibi in the summer of 2021 as part of their MCB internship with the Trades Win project team—featured author Andrew Leland. Andrew is a writer, audio producer, editor, and teacher living in Western Massachusetts.
Low Vision Patient’s Journey to Vision Rehabilitation Researcher
A graduate of the Employment Now Initiative, formerly Project SEARCH, a professional job and life skills program for visually impaired adults, shares her experience and how it led her to becoming a research assistant at Mass Eye and Ear.