Enfield Enfield Easterseals program a win-win for trainee, business

By Laura B. Hayden

When a local business partners with Easterseals CREC Career Development Services for limited workers, it’s mutually advantageous for both the employee and employer.

Earlier this year an Enfield business reaped the benefit of free labor when it participated in the organization’s Trial Work Experience program, while Easterseals paid the limited trainee for his work.

Dan Bracken, director of Easterseals Career Development Services, likes to share the story of trainee Evan Monahan who has a deep desire to work but experiences limitations from cerebral palsy.

“When Evan joined the program in 2022, he was immediately chosen as a good fit for trial work experience,” Bracken said.

Upon completing pre-employment soft-skills training, to was then referred for a trial work experience at Touch of Class Auto Detailing in Enfield.

“Jose Rosado, owner, was welcoming and supportive — a true example of a business owner dedicated to inclusivity in the workplace,” said Bracken.

Monahan did very well through his 40 hours of training at Touch of Class Auto Detailing, discovering that he liked janitorial work as well as detailing cars.

According to Bracken, one could see a positive change in Monahan’s selfesteem by the time the trial was complete.

Touch of Class Auto Detailing owner Rosado agreed. “It was a very good experience.”

Easterseals believes everyone who wants to work should have the opportunity to do so in a meaningful way. Its Career Development Services team helps individuals build their skills, continue their education, find meaningful employment and provides support throughout the employment process to both employees and employers.

For more information or to get started with Easterseals Career Development Services contact Bracken at 860-2700600, x212. He can also be reached by email at dbracken@escrec.org.