Congratulations, and thank you, graduates

On June 15, six students graduated from Chapel Haven’s PAVE (Partnership for Achievement through Vocational Experience) job readiness program, which serves adults on the autism spectrum and with other developmental disabilities. PAVE participants received classroom instruction and volunteered in various YNHH departments, including the Laboratory, OR supply area, daycare center, Material Services and others. PAVE participants, in top photo, were, back row (l-r): Randall Womack, Patrick Doyle and Jon Gaynor; and front row (l-r): John Cranmer, Catherine Harris and Adam Boekman.

On June 16, 20 students from New Haven Public Schools’ Off Campus Classroom (OCC) program earned their high school diplomas, including four graduates who volunteered at YNHH’s Saint Raphael Campus. In lower photo, from left are Thomas Flaherty, special education teacher; Charisma Phillips, paraprofessional; graduates Deziree Poole, Shayla Liggins and Maria Rosado; and Dorothea Haywood, YNHH volunteer program coordinator. Not pictured is graduate Ezequiel Rodriguez. The students volunteered in Pharmacy, Food and Nutrition and Material Services through OCC, which provides work experience to intellectually disabled high school students