Over the summer, Chestnut Knoll was fortunate to have three students working at the community, as part of the Goodwill Keystone Area Summer Work Experience Assessment Program (SWEAP). This program provides students aged 16 to 21 with real work experience, and Chestnut Knoll was thrilled to work hand-in-hand with the Boyertown High School for this special program.
SWEAP provides employment to students, where they receive training in their position at the business, and receive their first paycheck. The program runs from June 22 to July 27, with students working at Chestnut Knoll three days per week, for six and a half hours each day.
Natalie Warren, work-study/internship coordinator at the Boyertown Area Senior High School, has experience working with Chestnut Knoll through the work-study program. She was contacted by Goodwill, who was looking for a community site for students to work, so she approached Chestnut Knoll about SWEAP and the opportunity it gives to students.
“This program teaches students work skills that they might not learn anywhere else,” said Warren. “This is the first job for many of the students and they have the opportunity to learn basic skills, such as work etiquette and how to get along with other coworkers.”
Katie Kurtz, 19, a Boyertown High School graduate, became a participant following a talk that took place at her school. Natalie Warren, work-study coordinator, suggested her because she knew she likes to look after people and that she would be a good fit at Chestnut Knoll. Kurtz said her favorite moments at Chestnut Knoll are in the Memory Care Neighborhood. She really enjoys her time with the residents and likes hearing their life stories. She feels this work environment will be a huge help to her in her future, as she wants to be a CNA and eventually an RN in a hospital.
“They are great kids and we are so glad that we are able to help them gain work experience,” said Paulette Flurer, customer care coordinator. “It also could turn into job opportunities in the future.”
For more information about Chestnut Knoll and SWEAP program, please call 610-473-8066.
SWEAP is a program of Goodwill Keystone Area and receives funding through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and private grants.
