COVID-19 has affected everybody in different ways, and that includes the people who work through Ascend Services.
Ascend provides services to more than 200 individuals with exceptional abilities in a variety of settings, with the mission to promote individual growth through community experiences, education and employment opportunities.
We spoke with Deanna Genske, the Executive Director of Ascend, who explained that their typical on site pre-vocational services are up and running, and they are also offering their facility-based day service program. But, for those who either need to stay home due to health concerns, or who wish to stay home out of an abundance of caution, they are offering Zoom classes.
Jessica Erdmann, who helps run the program, explained to SeehaferNews.com, that they have been holding Zoom calls with employees from different businesses around the area, including one last week with our own Ryan Brahm. Erdman said, “They have so much fun asking all the questions. We interviewed three different groups already. We did Oh Photography, and two weeks ago we did the Police Station and the Fire Department” as well as the Humane Society.
Then last Friday, the group gathered around their computer to speak with Brahm, who said, “Answering their questions about working in radio was a blast. They all seemed very interested in my work, and it was an honor to share my experience with them.”
During the interview with Ryan, one of the clients, Mark Pribeck, spoke about what he enjoys about working at Ascend. He said, “I do trucking a lot…I help everybody out a lot.” He said he works on products for Federal Mogul, and several other jobs as well.
Erdmann is also helping their clients by going to their homes and helping them with chores, including teaching people how to do their laundry, meal preparation, and taking them to and setting up doctors’ appointments. Of course, Erdman is always wearing a mask, and sanitizing everything to ensure her safety as well as the client’s safety.
For more information about Ascend Services, visit AscendServicesInc.org.
