HAZLETON, Pa. — Nothing makes Ken, an Avenues vocational participant, more excited than coming to work at Avenues in Hazleton. On this day, he and his co-workers assembled plastic lids.
Ken is a part of the Avenues vocational program, a way for adults living with disabilities to get work experience.
In December, the group is helping businesses and nonprofits in Luzerne County stay on top of the holiday workload.
"I try doing it fast, you know; I try always to get more done because the more you make done, the more you get paid," Ken explained.
Ken is finishing his work early and is still looking for more ways to help. And his friend Joey Boyer, who sits across the workspace, agrees. Both wish they had more work to do.
"Because I make more money," Joey said.
Everyone inside the workshop is a paid employee, giving them more than work experience but also a sense of independence.
Joey is one of the newer employees on the Avenues team, and his mom, Andrea, says it's one of the best things that's ever happened to Joe.
"He likes it when he gets his paycheck. You know, that's a big factor because they understand they are doing work," said Andrea Martz, a member of the Avenues board of directors.
Avenues is trying to find more organizations to partner with during the holiday season and year-round.
Martz adds that they've lost several contractors due to the pandemic.
"We are at a loss, and I don't think I could take losing another program," she explained.
Workers like Ken say the vocational program helps him make a difference in his community.
"My goal is just to help people out. I love helping people out, and if they have any problems, I just want to work with them," he said.
If you know of a nonprofit or business that could benefit from partnering with Avenues, you can contact their Hazleton location by calling Vince Alessandri at (570) 501-1005 ext 504 or sending an email to valessandri@avenuesofpa.org.