Things are going ‘swimmingly’ for 20-year old Tommy Frankel. Every Tuesday he goes with his job coach, Jackie, to Peter’s Fish Market in Midland Park, where he learns job skills and is making new friends. Jackie says Tommy works independently for the most part.

It may seem like an unusual job, but Tommy loves it!

I like working there because I feel like I can do it. I like when I work on my own. I work with Squeegee. He is my co-worker. I enjoy talking to him”
— Tommy

Tommy’s main task is to remove the tails of the shrimp, a task he completes at an amazing rate. Then, he portions shrimp into 1-pound containers. He has also learned to scale fish. Tommy may not work at the same speed as the other employees of Peter’s yet, but he is welcomed socially by his colleagues. He has learned about the origin of the fish market and it has also sparked his interest in being a “salesperson.” He is excited about the Market’s upcoming move to a new, larger facility just down the street.

Now that he has his responsibilities down pat, Tommy also works there independently during school breaks, usually for a few hours at a time.
“This is a great work placement for him because he has attained a level of independence and self-confidence at this job,” said Beverly Asinofsky, Tommy’s teacher in the E.L.I.T.E. Program. “Tommy fits in with the employees and is able to converse with them, something that had been difficult for him,” she added.

We try to think outside the box when we look for job placements for our students. Local business owners have been wonderful, and have really embraced our students.”
— Brian Detlefsen, principal

Tommy takes part in The Forum School’s E.L.I.T.E. Program, (Education Leading Individuals Toward Employment). Designed for students ages 18 through 21, E.L.I.T.E. prepares students to be active members of the community and join the workforce to the maximum extent possible. Families of students in the program are supported as they work collaboratively with the school social worker and their local Child Study Team to develop an effective transition plan that establishes community ties before graduation.