Hutton House gives students a place to grow
It's a life-changing experience
when we come across opportunities
that help us grow and become
a stronger person. Samantha Hogg
found an opportunity to grow as a
professional and learn from inspirational
mentors at her co-op
placement with Hutton House, a
nonprofit organization that promotes
and supports people with
disabilities.
A student in the Developmental Service Worker (DSW) program, Hogg already has plenty of experience working with people with disabilities. Working specifically with Hutton House's Day Break program, an individualized program for young adults with complex needs, Hogg has been able to apply her knowledge in a unique and exciting environment.
"Hutton House promotes independence," said Hogg. "Participants choose what they want to do when they come in here. Other organizations aren't like this."
For Hogg, this is a great opportunity to learn from an innovative organization while following her dream of working with people with disabilities. On a daily basis, Hogg helps clients develop life skills such as nutrition and baking, writing, laundry, computer skills and playing card games. She coordinates with clients on what they would like to do and assists them throughout the activity.
"They can do anything," said Hogg. "The disability is part of the person — it doesn't define who the person is."
Hogg believes that Hutton House has prepared her for a career in developmental services. Not only has her co-op exposed her to many challenges and given her a new perspective on working with adults with disabilities, it has also given her the skills and experience she needs to be successful.
More importantly, Hogg feels a sense of fulfillment by helping those who use Hutton House's services. "Their smiles melt your heart," she noted.
Hogg isn't the first student to pass through Hutton House's doors. Gwen Pelley, field placement coordinator for the DSW program, praised Hutton House for continuously providing Fanshawe students with valuable hands-on experience.
"Fanshawe College and Hutton House have been working jointly together for many years, providing experiences to students wanting to provide support to people who have a disability," said Pelley. "Hutton House has been flexible and creative in providing opportunities."
This year alone, Hutton House has had 16 students from Fanshawe College. Without the contributions of these students, Hutton House would not be able to provide such a high level of service. Hogg's supervisor, Jennifer Merrylees, a Hutton House coordinator, pointed out how the co-op program benefits their organization.
"We get to learn from the students," said Merrylees. "They have a fresh perspective and the latest information, so it's a great opportunity for us to polish our skills, too."
If you are interested in learning about volunteer and placement opportunities at Hutton House, visit huttonhouse.com or contact your field placement coordinator.
A student in the Developmental Service Worker (DSW) program, Hogg already has plenty of experience working with people with disabilities. Working specifically with Hutton House's Day Break program, an individualized program for young adults with complex needs, Hogg has been able to apply her knowledge in a unique and exciting environment.
"Hutton House promotes independence," said Hogg. "Participants choose what they want to do when they come in here. Other organizations aren't like this."
For Hogg, this is a great opportunity to learn from an innovative organization while following her dream of working with people with disabilities. On a daily basis, Hogg helps clients develop life skills such as nutrition and baking, writing, laundry, computer skills and playing card games. She coordinates with clients on what they would like to do and assists them throughout the activity.
"They can do anything," said Hogg. "The disability is part of the person — it doesn't define who the person is."
Hogg believes that Hutton House has prepared her for a career in developmental services. Not only has her co-op exposed her to many challenges and given her a new perspective on working with adults with disabilities, it has also given her the skills and experience she needs to be successful.
More importantly, Hogg feels a sense of fulfillment by helping those who use Hutton House's services. "Their smiles melt your heart," she noted.
Hogg isn't the first student to pass through Hutton House's doors. Gwen Pelley, field placement coordinator for the DSW program, praised Hutton House for continuously providing Fanshawe students with valuable hands-on experience.
"Fanshawe College and Hutton House have been working jointly together for many years, providing experiences to students wanting to provide support to people who have a disability," said Pelley. "Hutton House has been flexible and creative in providing opportunities."
This year alone, Hutton House has had 16 students from Fanshawe College. Without the contributions of these students, Hutton House would not be able to provide such a high level of service. Hogg's supervisor, Jennifer Merrylees, a Hutton House coordinator, pointed out how the co-op program benefits their organization.
"We get to learn from the students," said Merrylees. "They have a fresh perspective and the latest information, so it's a great opportunity for us to polish our skills, too."
If you are interested in learning about volunteer and placement opportunities at Hutton House, visit huttonhouse.com or contact your field placement coordinator.
