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Family credits Devereux PA Children’s Services with helping son thrive in community

Since he began receiving services through Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health Pennsylvania Children’s Services in 2018, Casey continues to learn, grow and excel.

In 2023, with support from Devereux, Casey secured his first competitive employment position, working as an associate at a Wawa convenience store. This year, Casey achieved another significant milestone when he graduated from the Devereux School for Integrated Learning.

“We are incredibly proud of Casey,” said his mother, Rose Ann Clark, who works in an administrative support role at Devereux PA Children’s Services. “We have watched our son blossom into a terrific young man who improves himself daily. He is mature, friendly, sociable, responsible, reliable and good-natured. He had an opportunity to work independently on campus during the COVID-19 pandemic, and then transitioned to Wawa where he thrives.”

A proud Wawa employee

Upon graduation, the Devereux School for Integrated Learning assisted Casey in successfully transferring to a Wawa location near his home.

“He looks forward to going to work and is very proud of himself,” Clark shared. “He is part of the Wawa team and takes his responsibilities very seriously. By contributing his time, effort, skills and positive attitude, he can see the fruits of his labor. He knows that what he does matters. This also produces a strong feeling of self-worth. Casey has told us several times that he would like to work at Wawa until he is 70 or 80 years old.”

Casey says he has learned a lot working at the convenience store, including “how to be more independent and focus on my jobs.”

He added, “I’m proud to be a Wawa employee, and like earning money.”

Securing employment, achieving independence

Devereux School for Integrated Learning Transition Coordinator and Casey’s former job coach, Del Smith, says Casey shines in his role.

“Casey takes pride in his accomplishments and regularly interacts with his co-workers. Even the customers seek him out and compliment his work ethic,” Smith noted. “Casey especially enjoys working in the ‘cold box,’ restocking all sodas and cold beverages. If you give him his headphones and some music, he’s laser-focused.”

Employment Training and Transition Coordinator Ladislao Buljevich, M.A., added that helping students like Casey secure competitive employment is the “ultimate goal” of the school’s Employment Training Program.

“Devereux’s mission is to change lives by unlocking and nurturing human potential,” Buljevich explained. “Securing competitive employment offers our students an opportunity for personal and professional development and social contribution. This is a crucial step in the transition from education to the adult world, setting the foundation for a fulfilling and successful career. Our program helps students integrate into the workforce and be as independent as possible.”

Flourishing in life

Casey and his family credit Devereux with helping him flourish.

“They helped me advance my skills and become more independent with all my jobs,” Casey said.

Clark shared, “Casey is in a good place in his life. He does his chores at home, takes care of the pets, works hard at Wawa and enjoys many interests, such as fishing, boating, camping, swimming and Taekwondo. We thank Devereux for helping Casey become a well-rounded individual.”

Learn more about Devereux Pennsylvania Children’s Services, and learn more about Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health.

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