Recipe for Success: Skills for Life – A Partnership with The Next Step and Princeton Child Development Institute

September 18, 2024

Claire Lynch

At Fisherman’s Mark, the Recipe for Success: Skills for Life partnership with The Next Step (TNS) and Princeton Child Development Institute (PCDI) brings more than just volunteer help to the organization—it cultivates a deeper sense of community, learning, and empowerment for adults with intellectual disabilities.

The heart of this partnership takes place at the Free MARKet, Fisherman’s Mark’s food pantry and the hub of their food support initiatives. The Free MARKet is a vibrant space where shelves are stocked with essential items, and food is made readily available for the community. With many tasks needed to keep this operation running smoothly, participants from TNS and PCDI play an integral role in helping maintain the MARKet.

Each week, the TNS and PCDI participants assist with various activities to ensure the Free MARKet functions effectively. From stocking shelves, organizing the fridge, and bagging produce, to cleaning floors and recycling boxes, the participants help with essential tasks that contribute to the daily operations of the pantry. The consistency of their involvement provides stability for the program while giving the participants the opportunity to develop practical skills.

Nick Halladay, Program Manager at Fisherman’s Mark, works closely with the TNS and PCDI participants to guide them through their tasks. He ensures that the assignments are appropriately challenging, balancing growth and engagement with the individuals’ capabilities. For newcomers, Nick takes time to explain the Free MARKet’s inner workings, ensuring they feel part of the team from day one.

Tim Silverthorn, Program Manager at The Next Step (TNS), explains that the main focus of their program is to help individuals live everyday lives. “All individuals we work with are post-high school,” Silverthorn says. “Once they’re out, they’re focused on the next steps—getting out into the community, connecting with local businesses, and volunteering.”

For Matt Demetro, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at Princeton Child Development Institute (PCDI), the mission is clear: “We provide effective, science-based intervention for children and adults with autism, aiming to help them gain independence and job skills.” Demetro works with adults ages 21 to 59, helping them develop work endurance and life skills that contribute to either full- or part-time employment, or volunteer opportunities. “At Fisherman’s Mark, they have an outlet to work on these skills in a community setting, something that’s difficult to replicate in a school environment,” Demetro notes.

One of the participants’ key tasks at the Free MARKet is the “bag party,” where they prepare double paper bags for use in the Free MARKet and Mobile MARKet. While seemingly simple, this task requires careful folding and handling to avoid damage. The repetition of this task brings consistency, comfort, and pride to the participants, knowing that their efforts contribute directly to the Free MARKet’s operations. Michael, a PCDI learner, shared his favorite part of the experience: “Bags!” he exclaimed with a smile, showing how the routine fosters enjoyment and engagement.

Participants also help with restocking and rotating items like eggs and cheese, managing recycling, and ensuring the shop is clean and organized by the end of the day. “The tasks are designed to broaden horizons,” Silverthorn says. “It’s about giving participants hands-on experience that can be useful on their resumes for future employment.”

Matt Demetro recalls a story where the mere mention of Fisherman’s Mark excited a client with limited language skills. “We were driving in a van, and this particular client, who struggles with verbal communication, sat up straight and excitedly said, “We’re going?’” It was a small but meaningful moment that showed the client’s eagerness to participate. “Nick Halladay, from day one, has had a natural inclination to understand the balance between teaching and allowing participants to figure things out on their own,” Demetro adds. “He knows when to push and when to step back, which is crucial for our learners.”

The Free MARKet offers more than just food support—it creates a sense of belonging and purpose for these participants. “What makes the partnership unique is how impactful Nick is with the crew,” Silverthorn continues. “He shows that he really cares, and our participants enjoy going there. He makes sure their time is meaningful and treats everyone with dignity.” Demetro echoes this sentiment, highlighting Nick’s warmth and communication: “From the very beginning, Nick was thinking of us, including us in new opportunities like volunteering at Carversville Farm. He’s been incredibly accommodating.”

The long-term goal of Recipe for Success: Skills for Life is to build confidence and prepare participants for employment. With a national shift away from sheltered workshops, programs like these provide real-world skills that can open doors for participants to future job opportunities. “They learn new skills like bagging and stocking, and while some participants need more help than others, they gain independence,” says Silverthorn. “It’s a learn-as-you-go experience.”

According to Demetro, the experiences at Fisherman’s Mark serve as a bridge between school and real-world environments. “Some of our learners have been in school environments for over 40 years,” he says. “Fisherman’s Mark gives them a safe space to practice job skills without fear of judgment. If a participant needs a break, it doesn’t reflect poorly on their performance.”

Silverthorn and Demetro both emphasize the positive feedback from participants. “Each day, we ask them to recap what they did and how they felt about it. Their answers are always the same: ‘It was really fun, and I worked really hard,’” Silverthorn says. Demetro adds that their general enjoyment is palpable. “While many of our learners have limited ability to express their feelings, we see smiles and a sense of calm when they’re getting their work done. It’s a good place for them to be.”

TNS participants currently work at Fisherman’s Mark every Tuesday, with plans to increase participation in the future. “We have 24 participants in our caseload, and our goal is to ensure that everyone has the chance to help and volunteer,” Silverthorn adds. “Our staff enjoys it as much as the participants do, and we hope to continue this partnership for the foreseeable future.” Similarly, PCDI aims to expand their program. “We hope to continue with these individuals or bring in others in their absence,” Demetro says. “It’s been an incredibly rewarding partnership, and we look forward to seeing it grow.”

Jennifer Williford, Executive Director of Fisherman’s Mark, shares her appreciation for the partnership: “This program has been a huge success for everyone involved. The participants from TNS and PCDI have become an integral part of our community, and the skills they are developing are truly life-changing.”

"We’re proud to be part of their journey."

Jennifer Williford

Executive Director

Fisherman’s Mark is a celebration of neighbors coming together to support neighbors. Through the Recipe for Success: Skills for Life program, Fisherman’s Mark continues to fulfill its mission of strengthening the community with responsive programs that promote stability, health, and education. By providing vital opportunities to individuals living with disabilities, Fisherman’s Mark is an advocate for positive change in the lives of our neighbors and their families. As the partnership with TNS and PCDI grows, Fisherman’s Mark remains committed to serving vulnerable populations and ensuring that everyone in the community has the opportunity to thrive.

For more information, visit www.fishermansmark.org

Recipe for Success: Skills for Life – A Partnership with The Next Step and Princeton Child Development Institute

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