The Community Connections Committee works to guarantee that individuals supported by our agency have secure, welcoming access to places where they can live, work, and play.
The Community Connections Committee at Aspire of WNY has recently selected the Explore & More Museum (The Ralph C. Wilson Children’s Museum) to receive special acknowledgment for its commitment to achieving excellence through collaboration with our agency and for its continuous endeavors to integrate individuals with disabilities into its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
As an organization, Explore & More prides itself on being a welcoming space for children and families of all identities, abilities, and backgrounds, ensuring that everyone can learn through play in a safe and welcoming environment that reflects the diversity of our greater WNY community. Aspire of WNY is proud to partner with Explore & More to help supplement Explore & More’s growing and diverse workforce.
“We are so grateful to have paid employees and volunteers who have come to us through Aspire of WNY. These individuals are instrumental in our success as an organization as they help us to push forward our mission,” explains Will Kawalec, Cultural & Community Manager at Explore & More. “We are grateful for our volunteers from Aspire of WNY and for all of the hard work they do to clean and organize our museum spaces while also bringing welcoming and smiling faces to our museum.”
Craig, an individual who is supported by Aspire of WNY, has worked as a Play to Learn Facilitator at the Explore & More Museum for the past five years. His main responsibilities include answering any questions that guests may have and cleaning touch points throughout the museum to ensure the safety of all guests. Craig takes the Paratransit to work every shift, utilizing imminent arrival notifications to ensure he arrives at the bus stop on time to make it to his shift.
“I like working at Explore & More because I can show children that someone (with a disability) like me can work,” Craig explains. “My job coaches have been good role models for me at work and have taught me about things here. My coworkers and bosses are also good mentors for me. Getting hired here was the best, they treat me equally. I like working with children here; they can learn about the world of work by playing here. My friend (Bruce) also likes working here,” Craig says.
“We are proud of Craig, our rockstar of a Play to Learn Facilitator, every day and love having him as part of our team. Both guests and staff embrace Craig’s vibrant personality as soon as he walks in the door,” says Kawalec.
Recently, the Supported Employment Team at Aspire of WNY had the opportunity to provide Disability Employment Inclusion Training to employees from Explore & More, a service that is offered to all our Community Partners. During this training, it was evident that the missions of both Explore & More and Aspire of WNY are equally rooted in inclusive practices for all people. The session ended with an enjoyable conversation about each employee’s commitment to building an inclusive workforce and community.
“Explore & More is grateful to be a part of the Aspire of WNY community and garner the benefits of the amazing work provided by volunteers and staff members. We encourage our guests to say hello to these dedicated workers,” says Kawalec.
Thank you to Explore & More for helping us make an IMPACT in the lives of the individuals supported by Aspire of WNY and for providing secure, welcoming access to places where they can live, work, and play!
