Westmont, Illinois
Date Issued: July 29, 2019
Last month, Westmont resident Calvin Herion was a Village of Westmont Communications Department student intern. He is a National Honors Society student at Downers South High School and recently completed his first semester at College of DuPage where he earned straight A’s. Herion also has physical disabilities that require the use of a ventilator and a wheelchair. Calvin is part of the Transition 99 program, which provides resources and opportunities for individuals with different abilities to develop life skills.
“When we met Calvin, we learned of his interest in politics and journalism, so an internship with the Village of Westmont’s Communications Department was a perfect fit,” said Communications Director Larry McIntyre. “Since Calvin is also an advocate for the special needs community, we decided to merge all of these areas of interest into a single project.”
In conversation with High School District 99 Transitions Program Coordinator Jenny Patrick, it became clear that there is a need to create and promote work and internship opportunities for people with special needs, or individuals with different abilities. So McIntyre and the group worked as a team to create a new program they call “Diverse Opportunities”.
“Diverse Opportunities is a program that encourages the business community, as well as citizens, to step forward and consider creating work and internship opportunities for individuals with different abilities,” said Herion, who turned 18 during the internship. “We’ve created a sign-up form for members of the community to fill out to learn more about being involved in a program like this. It is important for people to understand that there are many benefits to a program like this, including the goal of providing work opportunities and value for a segment of the population that needs the support of the general community.”
During the internship, Calvin was able to meet with and share the Diverse Opportunities concept with a number of community leaders and various organizations including the Westmont Chamber of Commerce, the Westmont Police and Fire Departments, the Westmont Park District, State Representative Deanne Mazzochi, and even made a presentation to the Village Board. At the Chamber of Commerce meeting, their board voted unanimously to support and promote the goals of the Diverse Opportunities program.
“Everyone deserves an opportunity to be productive and feel valued,” Herion said. “That is why the 'Diverse Opportunities' program is so special.”
“The ‘Diverse Opportunities’ program that the Village of Westmont has developed, along with Larry McIntyre and Jennifer Babyar, is groundbreaking in the push for inclusive work environments,” said Transition 99 Vocational Coordinator Jenny Patrick. “Calvin is a dynamic young man, who is ready to advocate for individuals with different abilities to the business owners in Westmont and the surrounding communities. I'm absolutely thrilled that Calvin has been part of the creation of this program. We are very excited about the potential of this initiative.”
At this time, businesses and residents are encouraged to take this survey and learn more about the Diverse Opportunities program. The survey not only promotes the current objectives and benefits of the program, but also solicits feedback from the community so that the program can evolve and be successful.
CLICK HERE TO FILL OUT THE FORM
https://forms.gle/cFhndR1kuhXGDUsG8
Local business owner Danielle Kirin of the Sweet and Savory Spot, who has been a long-time advocate for individuals with different needs and currently employs a diverse workforce has agreed to be an ambassador for the program. “Working with individuals with disabilities has always been very important to me,” said Kirin. “I have happily offered employment opportunities to those with disabilities and hope to do more in the future. As business owners, we need to be engaged in our community and be open minded. Some of these individuals have been some of the best employees I have ever had. It has been a very positive experience and I look forward to assisting with this new program.”
For more information regarding the Diverse Opportunities program, contact Larry McIntyre at communications@westmont.il.gov or 630-417-0280.
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Contact:
Village of Westmont
Communications
630-417-0280
communications@westmont.il.gov
