Gabby Fischer
The Impact Center is more than a classroom. It is an innovative, hands-on learning environment designed to help people of all abilities build the skills, confidence, and independence needed to achieve meaningful employment and long-term success.
Created to mirror real workplace experiences, the newly renovated center provides individuals with opportunities to learn by doing. Participants explore their interests, discover their strengths, and develop practical skills in an environment that feels authentic and engaging. With guidance from trained professionals, each person’s experience is tailored to their unique goals, learning style, and aspirations, allowing them to progress at their own pace while building toward a more independent future.
The Impact Center’s approach is designed around a three-phase pathway to employment.
In Phase 1: Day and Prevocational Services, individuals explore career interests, identify strengths, and develop foundational workplace skills through personalized learning plans. Phase 2: Building a Career Path focuses on preparing participants for the workforce through resume development, interview preparation, and networking opportunities made possible through community partnerships. Finally, Phase 3: Supported Employment helps individuals achieve and maintain meaningful employment by providing ongoing coaching, skill development, and support as they grow in their roles and work toward long-term career goals.
Although the Impact Center has not yet held its official grand opening, participation continues to grow. Currently, 55 individuals are enrolled in prevocational skill-building classes. Twenty-eight participants attend classes in person at the Impact Center, representing Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties, while an additional 27 individuals from Dutchess County and Peekskill participate remotely from their home locations. This growing participation reflects the need for innovative employment preparation services that help individuals gain the skills and confidence necessary to pursue their goals.
“The Impact Center provides Individuals with disabilities with a valuable and transformative learning experience, equipping them with the core building blocks necessary for future employment. They are enthusiastic to learn the curriculum and their growth and development have been significant!”
A key component of the program is its structured curriculum, which follows the OPWDD framework. The curriculum consists of six comprehensive modules that combine instructional presentations with interactive activities, allowing participants to practice skills, apply what they have learned, and build confidence through real-world scenarios.
This module focuses on self-discovery. Future workers explore their strengths, interests, goals, etc. so that they can start planning what they want their future to look like.
This module encourages individuals to build connections, learn how work will impact their life, and explore potential workplaces using the Center’s computer lab.
What is it really like to be in a workplace? People learn how to present themselves professionally, the importance of communication, and the written and unwritten rules of work culture.
On this part of the journey, individuals shift their focus to preparing, including writing a resume, completing job applications, conducting interviews and learning self-advocacy.
Managing the first 30 days of a new job is crucial to success. People learn how to build work relationships, develop customer skills, and handle unexpected situations.
This is the final module; it’s about growth over time. It teaches individuals how to be a team player, manage stress, improve time management, and crucial decision-making skills.
Overall, the Impact Center is more than just a program; it’s a place where individuals of all abilities are given opportunities to grow, learn, and build a future for themselves. Through lessons and hands-on experiences, these individuals are able to gain not just job skills, but independence and confidence.
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