Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital - Ozaukee Campus has worked with the Homestead High School’s community assessment training program for 20 years.
 
The community assessment training program is a program primarily focused on assisting high school age students with disabilities. Having participants as old as 21, the goal of the program is to help develop the skills and experience necessary to achieve their highest level of independence by exposing them to different work environments. Some of these students are hired by Ascension Wisconsin, but many also receive job offers elsewhere.
 
Throughout last year at Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Ozaukee, students were paired with mentors and learned skills in a variety of areas including in the volunteer office, environmental services, food service, maintenance and landscaping. The weekly sessions provided an opportunity to practice and demonstrate these skills in a supportive work environment.
 
The program also helps these students throughout the hiring process, including how to apply for a job, polishing their interview skills, while providing additional instruction, support, feedback and positive reinforcement.
 
“Several of the program’s participants have either been hired by Ascension Wisconsin or have moved on to other work environments,” said Kerry Burmeister, Director of Volunteer Services. “Last year, after graduation, one of our students accepted a paid employment opportunity. We are so proud of his accomplishment.”
 
The Homestead High School student participants committed 213 hours of volunteer time, working alongside Ascension Wisconsin associates.
 
“The students are so helpful to our departments. Our associates really miss them when they're on school breaks,” Burmeister said. 
 
Ascension Wisconsin participates in similar school-to-work programs across the state.