SUMMER WORK
EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
Building confidence. Developing skills. Creating real-world opportunities.
At VOC Thrive (Vessels of Compassion Therapy Center), we believe every student deserves the opportunity to build skills, confidence, and independence through meaningful work experiences. Our Summer Work Experience Program is designed for high school students with mild disabilities who benefit from hands-on learning, structure, and supportive guidance in real-world settings.
We partner with local businesses and community organizations to create supportive, low-pressure work environments where students can learn, grow, and succeed while businesses receive extra help at no cost.
For Businesses & Community Partners
Extra Support for Your Business — At No Cost
Looking for extra help during your busiest season?
Partnering with VOC Thrive allows your business to receive motivated student support while making a meaningful impact in the community.
Students can assist with:
- Deep cleaning and general upkeep
- Organizing workspaces, storage areas, or inventory
- Stocking and light maintenance tasks
- Seasonal grounds support
- General task assistance as needed
On—Site Support You
Can Count On
- A trained job coach remains on-site with students the entire workday
- Job coach provides supervision, guidance, and task support
- We handle redirection, coaching, and skill development
No Cost to Your
Business
- All student wages are coveredc
- All liability is assumed by VOC Thrive
- No payroll, insurance, or HR responsibility
- Flexible scheduling based on your needs
This is a low-risk, high-impact partnership designed to support both students and businesses.
Why Partner With VOC Thrive?
Extra help during
peak summer months
Flexible scheduling
options
Positive
community impact
Support for students
with diverse
learning needs
No financial or
liability burden
We do the coordination, supervision, and support, so you can focus on your business.
For Parents & Caregivers
Supporting Your Student’s
Growth Beyond the Classroom
Our summer work experiences help students transition from school to adulthood by developing practical job skills in a supportive and supervised setting.
Students in our program gain:
- Real-world work experience in community businesses
- Improved confidence and self-esteem
- Increased independence and responsibility
- Exposure to workplace expectations and routines
- Social and communication skill development
- Opportunities to explore interests and strengths
We understand that students with mild disabilities may need:
- Clear instructions
- Extra time to learn tasks
- Emotional encouragement
- Consistent routines
- On-site support
Built-In Support for Student Success
- A trained Job Coach is present with students throughout the workday
- Ongoing encouragement, redirection, and skill-building support
- Tasks are broken down into manageable steps
- Emphasis on strengths, not limitations
- Trauma-informed, patient, and respectful approach
Our goal is to prepare students for employment with confidence, readiness, and growth
OurApproach
VOC Thrive uses a trauma-informed, strengths-based model, meeting students where they are and helping them move forward at their own pace.
We believe:
Growth happens through
encouragement
Support builds confidence
Real-world experience creates
real-world success
Interested in Learning More?
Whether you’re a parent exploring opportunities for your student or a business interested in becoming a work experience site, we would love to connect.
Tracy Boatmon, LMSW
Vessels of Compassion Therapy Center / VOC Thrive
Frequently Asked Questions –Parents
This program is designed for high school students with mild disabilities who benefit from hands-on learning, structure, and additional support in real-world environments.
Yes, research has shown that online therapy is effective. Many find online therapy to be convenient as they no longer have to commute to and from the office. This may mean there are now more times available to meet with a therapist without missing work or having to rearrange other responsibilities. While we may not be in an office together, we are still sharing space and connecting which allows us to establish and foster a therapeutic relationship.