Hillcrest Commons has partnered with Pittsfield High School Special Education

Hillcrest Commons has partnered with Pittsfield High School Special Education in two unique opportunities. Pittsfield High School has a Life Skills/Transitional Program helping students from local school districts ages 18-22 develop the appropriate and transferable skills necessary to be independent when entering the community at age 22. This has included students doing an internship at Hillcrest Commons in the Culinary and Hospitality Department. Most recently, 22 year old Tina Buffi started working in the dining room during lunch time doing prep work, and assisting the residents under the direction of dining room hostesses Karen Guinen. The Pittsfield High School program provides educational opportunities for students in a working environment. The emphasis of the program is on helping students develop essential life skills and transferable work skills for success in a community setting.

“Tina has been a great addition to the team. She is enthusiastic and really enjoys talking and interacting with the residents” explained Karen.

Hillcrest Commons has also sponsored Student of the Month. Selected by the Pittsfield High School team, the student must show
P – Personal Achievement
H – Honorable Actions, and
S – Strength in Community.

The first award was presented for December by Hillcrest Commons Admissions and Marketing Director Deirdre Tozer – Hayes, to Alexander Berthiaume. In June, all of the Students from the Pittsfield High School Life Skills/Transitional Program and the various employers will be invited to a Student of the Year event at Hillcrest Commons.

For more information about Hillcrest Commons’ work in the community or to get involved, contact Deirdre Tozer – Hayes at 413-445-9747.