OASIS Program Graduates First Class

(NORTH EAST, PA—July 15, 2009)--On Thursday, July 15, OASIS students will receive their certificates after completing their year of culinary classes at Mercyhurst-North East at a 6:00 p.m. graduation ceremony at Stone Chapel Dining Room (16 West Division Street, North East).  Erie Homes for Children and Adults (EHCA) received a grant to work with Mercyhurst-North East to afford the opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities to attend college with their peers.  This program has already led to job placement for many of its students.

OASIS, Opportunities and Advancement for Students with Intellectual Disabilities for Self-Actualization, is a one-year certificate program for students interested in continuing their education to obtain entry-level positions in the restaurant or catering industry.  Students chose a concentration as an assistant baker, prep cook, or pantry cook and completed an internship at a local business to lead to their successful completion of the program. 

Beth Ann Sheldon, M.Ed., RD., LDN, Director for the Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management (HRIM) program, created the curriculum so the OASIS student could take classes along with traditional college students.  Peer mentors and the program’s graduate assistant helped OASIS students in classes and attended activities with the students on campus to help these new collegians fully participate in campus life.

The mission of EHCA is to assist people with disabilities to live rich and fulfilling lives by providing quality, comprehensive and accessible residential and community-based services for children and adults with developmental disabilities throughout Erie, Crawford and Venango counties.