Kadlec Earns Outstanding Employer Award for Partnership with RSD

Congratulations to Kadlec Regional Medical Center’s Nutrition Services Department for receiving the Outstanding Employer Community Service Award of Merit from Washington Association of Career & Technical Education.

Kadlec’s Nutrition Services team was nominated by Richland School District for their outstanding commitment and collaboration in providing life-changing work experiences for students with disabilities. For over 15 years, RSD‘s Career & Technical Education Work-Based Learning (WBL) Transition Program has partnered with Kadlec Regional Medical Center, helping 35 students gain essential job-readiness skills.

“My son has learned valuable skills of following a schedule, dependability and being a valued member of a team,” says a parent of a work-based learning student. “His confidence has grown, and he is much more independent and prepared to be employed.”

Kadlec’s team provides individualized supports for WBL students, setting them up for success – from ordering kitchen equipment with visual aids to utilizing specialized communication devices. Past student job experiences have included food prep, Garden Café cleanliness, stocking supplies, taking inventory and recycling materials.

“Ber, Tony and Kadlec’s Nutrition Services team have taught me a lot about job skills and I feel like an important member of their team,” says WBL student Cody Green. “They count on me, and I like the responsibility of doing my work so that I do my part for the Kadlec Garden Café to run smoothly.”

Several graduates from the work-based learning program have gone on to be hired by Kadlec Regional Medical Center’s Nutrition Services department.