Students With Disabilities Placed With Employers Through HCE Internship Program
(Clark, NJ) – Until March of 2024, So Delicious Ice Cream in Clark, NJ, had never employed a person with a disability, according to John Samsel of the family-owned small business. But that changed when Samsel met with Hudson Community Enterprises (HCE) and learned about their new internship program for students with disabilities. Then, Zi’Nayiah “Zi” Warren came to So Delicious.
“I was really excited to have this opportunity for an internship with a deaf person,” said Samsel. “I wasn’t sure how it was going to work and how she was going to serve the clientele. But you know what I believe in? Everybody deserves a chance and we wanted to give that chance to her.”
With assistance from a job coach and an ASL interpreter, Zi undertook her internship at the ice cream shop this Spring, with a new process allowing hearing customers to write their orders on a white board. The team at So Delicious were also incredibly supportive, says Zi.
“So, the people here at work, oh my goodness, they’re such a great support and very friendly,” said Zi. “If I need any help, they’re really good at communicating with me. I’ve shown them some sign language, like the sign for ‘help’ if I need it.”
The team at So Delicious was so inspired by Zi, they decided to host an Ice Cream Social for the Deaf community on Memorial Day Weekend.
“Well, that was a lot of fun,” said Samsel. “The community, the job coaches, interpreters… they put the event together. It was fabulous to see people come from all over and support Zi.”
HCE’s internship program, funded by a grant through the New Jersey Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, provides valuable employment opportunities for up to 60 students with disabilities annually. Participants undergo comprehensive training in essential skills—such as professionalism, teamwork, adaptability, and appropriate workplace behavior—to enhance their job performance. With the support of the grant, the interns are employed for a total of up to 150 hours per year at no cost to the host employer.
“HCE is actively seeking employers that are interested in hosting these students,” said Lauren Weishaar, HCE’s Assistant Vice President for Workforce Development. “We feel that the program not only provides necessary job opportunities throughout New Jersey, but also provides our partner employers the chance to contribute to the growth and development of our student interns.”
Weishaar added, “By hosting our student interns, your organization actively engages in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future, while reinforcing your business as a socially conscious leader in the community.”
