Brae Builders & Liberty Science Center Volunteers Receive Recognition
It has been a big week for youth involved in Bonnie Brae’s Work Experience Program. This week they were recognized both for their efforts as Brae Builders with Morris Habitat for Humanity and as volunteers with Liberty Science Center.
Our Brae Builders attended Morris Habitat for Humanity’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast. Having built more than 60 homes with Habitat for Humanity, our guys were excited to participate and grateful for the recognition of their efforts.
Currently our Brae Builders are working in Morristown Park constructing picnic tables and a gazebo for park visitors to enjoy. Bonnie Brae resident Nassar, formerly very reticent to leave the comfort of his school program, now works off-campus in the community as a Brae Builder 2 days per week. He loves the program and shares, “I cannot believe how much we are doing. I have learned so much more than I ever thought that I would.”
Liberty Science Center hosted their annual volunteer dinner and 5 of our youth were recognized for their efforts. Two youth, Brian and Josh, have grown in the program and are now “exhibit experts”, receiving recognition from both the Liberty Science Center staff as well as patrons of the museum for their knowledge and delivery.
The Brae Builders and Liberty Science Center Volunteer programs are part of Bonnie Brae’s Work Experience Program where youth obtain employment and skills certifications by working on-campus jobs as well as in the community. Of equal importance are the “soft skills” of integrity, teamwork, self-representation, conflict resolution, creativity and resourcefulness that they develop and gain through their participation. Currently youth are taking 6-8 trips a week to off-campus community partners. Some of their current partnerships include: Fairview Farms (Raritan Watershed); Morristown’s Grow-it-Green; America’s Grow-A-Row; Community Food Bank of New Jersey; Central Jersey Stream Team; Sandy Hook Gateway National Park; Raptor Trust; Mane Stream Equine Center; and the Morris Habitat ReStore.
