Partner Spotlight: Building Job Skills & Brighter Futures with Vista Hill Stein Education Center

At the Foundation, we are proud to support programs that expand opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This month, we’re highlighting our partnership with Vista Hill’s Stein Education Center’s (SEC) Workability Program. This program plays a vital role in helping students gain hands-on job-readiness, vocational training, and the ability to acquire skill sets to work in a variety of community employment settings.

Many SEC students enter the program after traditional school settings are no longer able to meet their specialized learning or behavioral needs. At the Stein Education Center, students with an I/DD find a supportive environment designed to help them grow, learn new skills, and build confidence for life beyond the classroom.

FDD’s $15,000 Investment in Student Opportunities

With a $15,000 Program Grant, FDD is supporting Vista Hill’s ongoing efforts to strengthen job readiness and vocational pathways for 50 students. This funding helps provide:

• Student wages for both on-site and community-based work experiences.

• Work uniforms, shoes, and essential supplies.

• Incentives and rewards for volunteer students that celebrate effort and progress.

• Support to maintain and expand community job partnerships.

  
  

These resources enable students to participate in meaningful, community-based employment learning in restaurants, libraries, retail environments, and local businesses.

Special Education Teacher David Bear affirms the value of this experience:

“Stein students benefit immensely from the community-based instruction provided within the work training program. 

Shared Goals for Student Growth

Through this partnership, FDD is proud to support Vista Hill as they work to:

• Increase student independence and workplace readiness.

• Strengthen communication, teamwork, and emotional regulation.

• Build a foundation for supported or competitive employment after graduation.

• Expand partnerships that welcome SEC students into meaningful roles.

• Boost confidence through earned wages, mentorship, and positive reinforcement.

These ongoing goals help ensure students are equipped with the skills, stability, and self-assurance needed to pursue meaningful employment opportunities as adults.

A Partnership That Expands Possibilities

Vista Hill staff expressed their gratitude for this collaboration, sharing:

“Our Workability program would not be sustained without the funds from FDD. Our students are thriving, working out in the community—thank you for your support.”

FDD is honored to stand beside Vista Hill in strengthening opportunities for students to discover their capabilities, contribute to their communities, and build brighter futures.

To learn more about Vista Hill’s programs, please visit: https://www.vistahill.org/hill.org/