At Peake Childhood Center, we believe in the transformative power of collaboration. Our mission is only strengthened when we partner with like-minded organizations that share our vision for a more inclusive, supportive community.
One such partnership is with Community Knights and their READY program, which helps high school students with disabilities gain work experience through internships that match their interests. These internships provide hands-on, real-world experience and build important career and life skills like communication, independence, and responsibility. Each student works with a skills trainer to ensure they succeed and meet the needs of the workplace.
At Peake, we have hosted six READY interns, working a total of 500 hours. These interns have assisted in the kitchen preparing lunches and, in the classroom, engaging with students. Keke, a recent READY intern, shared her favorite part of the experience: “I like seeing the kids and playing red light, green light a lot.” Keke’s parent said, “Before this program, Keke only talked about working at McDonalds and Wendys. Now she’s thinking about other things besides that, and that’s a good thing.” Inspired by her internship, Keke now wants to work in a doctor’s office helping children.
This partnership helps foster an inclusive environment at Peake, where everyone’s abilities are valued. This inclusiveness teaches children to appreciate differences, planting seeds of understanding and acceptance at a young age. Staff and Families also witness the value of inclusion, helping to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of diverse abilities within our community.
This collaboration with Community Knights’ READY program is a shining example of what’s possible when organizations come together with a shared mission to uplift and empower. Together, we’re growing promising, more inclusive, futures for all. To learn more about this program, check out Community Knights’ website at https://communityknights.org/ready/
