Students achieving success through Novi Adult Transition Center

NOVI — Two students enrolled in the Novi Adult Transition Center, which teaches post-secondary life skills and employment skills to Novi residents ages 18-26 who have disabilities, have translated their success in the program into jobs with Novi High School.

Hunter Goodman, 22, and Matt Heslop, 25, were recently hired as part-time workers at the Novi High School cafeteria after having volunteered at the Novi Library Café through the Novi Adult Transition Center, which is part of the Novi Community School District.

Goodman said his goal is to be independent and to do stuff on his own, without somebody telling him to do it.

“I like helping out with stuff they need help with,” said Goodman of his new job.

Goodman said he likes the NHS cafeteria better than the library cafe because he can talk to people and it’s not as slow-paced as the library. Heslop said he liked working at the library better, as he preferred the slower pace. At the cafeteria, the students make cookies, prepare meals to take to the school store, and serve student meals.

“They learn a lot of skills (through the job),” said Kim Sinclair, Novi Community School District Nutrition and Food Services director. “They have to learn portion size. They learn how to work together as a team — for we all succeed together, at the end of the day.”

She said Goodman and Heslop are really good at knowing what they have to do for each aspect of their jobs.

Heslop said his favorite thing to do at work is to serve the mashed potatoes to the high school students. According to Goodman, that is one of the most popular school offerings. The school feeds between 800 and 850 students per day at the cafeteria, according to Sinclair. She said Goodman and chef Kim Johnson will often have a competition to see who can serve the most.

“They value being valued,” said Sinclair. “They feel bad when they can’t come in. Most employees, when they can’t come in, they’re like, whatever, but they actually feel bad. (They) come to life here.”

“That’s the goal (of NATC). That’s what our program is all about,” said NATC transition coordinator Kristin Corrion. “Kimberly has provided an opportunity, and all of our work partners provide an opportunity we just can’t provide, and it’s fantastic. So, we appreciate it.”

Corrion said that NATC and programs like it are always seeking more work partners who are interested in giving young people who have disabilities an opportunity to become part of the workforce. She said that along with the high school, NATC’s current partners include the Novi Public Library, Macy’s, Premiere Pet Supply, Ascension Providence Hospital, St. James Church, Ace Hardware, National Food Group and Emagine Theater.

For more information on the program or to become a partner, contact Corrion at kristin.corrion@novik12.org.