The St. Johns County School District continues to work closely with the community to help students with disabilities develop the skills they need, and it is no more evident than the partnership it has developed with Vicar’s Landing.
Vicar’s Landing in Ponte Vedra is one of two locations used as part of the district’s Life Work Transition Programs, the other being on the campus of First Coast Technical College in St. Augustine.
The school district’s Life Work Transition Program at Vicar’s Landing, which serves students with disabilities who have earned a standard high school diploma but need continued support to develop the skills necessary for successful employment, social interaction, and independent living, celebrated the end of the school year with a ceremony at Vicar’s Landing at Oak Bridge on May 29.
“We come together to acknowledge the perseverance, achievements, and inspiring growth of these young adults,” said Jennifer Argentina, Exceptional Student Education program specialist. “They faced challenges that most people would not understand, but we are so ready for them to enter the workforce and the world, and now they are equipped with the skills knowledge and mindset to make that meaningful impact.”
Ten students in the program were honored for their work as interns at Vicar’s Landing where they spent time working in several departments, such as dining services, security and housekeeping.
“Life Work teaches transferable skills that will serve our interns in their future,” teacher Laura Davis said. “The opportunities our interns have at Vicar’s Landing are valuable, diverse and often involve experiences that they would otherwise not be exposed to.”
She thanked the staff at Vicar’s Landing for embracing the district’s programs over the past three years and mentioned how they look forward to continuing the relationship into the future.
“The staff has embraced the standard of creating an inclusive workplace culture,” Davis said. “This culture happens when people choose to have open minds and open hearts.”
Another major aspect of the program success is the continued participation and support from the residents at Vicar’s Landing, which saw its numbers double in size with 20 residents who volunteered their time as “member mentors,” some of which were in attendance during the ceremony.
“From sharing hobbies to practicing interview skills, the member mentors never hesitate to promote community and connection,” Davis said.
Some of the various hobbies shared included coins, croquet, boats and sewing.
Leslie Hodnett served as a member mentor for the first time and cherished the experience.
“It was a true honor to be a mentor, and I enjoyed every morning when I was walking my dogs and saw two school buses arriving and knew that you all were arriving for the day,” Hodnett said. “That was always fun for me and my dogs.”
Hodnett looked back on a day when students learned how to operate sewing machines and worked on creating a quilt.
The finished quilt was presented to Vicar’s Landing during the ceremony by representation from the Jacksonville Modern Quilt Guild, who were involved in making the event happen.
“You brought enthusiasm, fresh perspective, and genuine compassion to our members here at Vicar’s, and for that we are truly thankful,” Vicar’s Landing executive director Elizabeth Sholar said. “Your presence here reminds us why mentorship and leadership are so vital for our community. You are the future, and we know that we are in capable hands.”
