3 Interns Are First Graduates in County’s Inclusive Internship Program
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Last month, the County hosted a graduation ceremony for the first class of interns from an inclusive employment internship called Jay’s Program. The program’s inspiration, Raymond “Jay” Bariuan, has worked with Supervisor Nathan Fletcher since 2008.
Jay’s Program is designed to help those with intellectual and developmental disabilities improve their job skills and increase opportunities for future employment. While Jay’s Program was established in 2019, the program was put on pause due to COVID-19. A revamped relaunch took form in August 2022 thanks to the input of interns and County mentors.
The 6-month, part-time paid internship program is funded through San Diego Regional Center and includes a bi-weekly cohort townhall and trainings, job coach support from program partner PRIDE Industries, and County department mentors. This month’s graduates increased their office skills and participating County departments expanded their perspective on what workplace culture can and should be.
Three interns were recognized for their contributions to the County at a Feb. 3 graduation ceremony. The graduates were Barbara Brandon from the Office of Emergency Services, Pilar Healy from Child Welfare Services and Arthur Marron from County Fire.
“A couple of highlights from my experience have been gaining experience and sharpening my skills in organization and my computer skills,” intern Brandon said during graduation.
Marron thanked everyone for his opportunity to learn and for giving him a “chance to do better in life.”
And earlier in the program, Healy said “I am learning many skills in this job, and I am learning more about myself.”
Hear more from the graduates in this video made by Pride Industries.
Eight Jay’s Program interns are currently working at the County. The next class is set to complete their internship at the end of March with a ceremony in the County Operations Center Chambers.
Participants in Jay’s Program must be an active SD Regional Center and PRIDE Industries client. Learn more about Jay’s Program.
L to R: Program Lead Holly Norton, Chief of Staff Natalia Bravo, the graduates and EDI Manager Taryell Simmons