Page 20 - PGA Community News - September '22

Page 20, PGA C.A.N.! September 2022 September 2022
Entrepreneurs Launch Professional

Career Services For Adults With Autism

Approximately 80 percent of adults who have autism firm. Their like-minded business attitudes developed Work As stated by Atkins, “We want to encourage candidates
spectrum disorder (ASD) are unemployed, which was the Force Match. Atkins recalled a family member working in with ASD to enter the workforce in a supportive way that
exact statistic that propelled two entrepreneurs, Kathryn the school system and recalls the brilliance and tragedy develops their confidence. We all have brilliant talents –
Kerrigan and Michael Atkins, to create Work Force of unsupported autistic students. Atkins advises boards let’s use them.”
Match, Inc. Work Force Match, Inc. is an innovation of directors, executives, and investors in transition. He Work Force Match is recruiting candidates and
solution combined with professionals that provides job developed and managed executive transition services, employers in the South Florida region. To learn more
and career support for those with autism while in parallel, staffing and recruiting systems for global organizations, about the company or to sign up as a candidate or
increasing the rights for those with autism (or who may SWIFT banking network and Lockheed Martin aerospace. employer, please visit WFMatch.com.
be on the spectrum). By consulting corporations, Work Work Force Match provides solutions that support Employment Statistic For Autistic Adults
Force Match assists employers to meet the organization’s autistic job seekers navigating the employment search and The National Autism Society statistics show that
diversity, equity and inclusion programs while also application process, while effectively communicating their about 16 percent of autistic adults, including people with
providing an opportunity for those with ASD to be part skills and abilities to prospective employers. Additional Asperger’s syndrome, are in full-time paid employment
of the community. career development services provided by Work Force and only 32 percent are in paid work, but 77 percent of
The idea has been a goal of Kathryn Kerrigan’s for Match include detailed assessment, career coaching, unemployed autistic adults want to work. Our mission is
many years and is based on her own personal experience access to webinars, candidate profile, career planning and to improve this situation.
in the field and countless friends’ as well. Kerrigan, general employee development, training, and mentorship.
once diagnosed with Asperger’s (outdated terminology),
always knew she was a bit different in social and work
says Kerrigan. As CEO of Work Force Match, Inc., her New Programming At La Posada
settings. “Most people are shocked when I mention it,”
background includes CEO of AI software development
Royal Caribbean and BrandsMart USA; and the founder of Helps Residents Navigate The
company; UnKommon Revolution; executive leadership at

Kathryn Kerrigan Footwear, one of the first .com fashion
Kathryn recognized many of her team members fell Ever-Changing World Of Technology
footwear companies. Given her technology background,
somewhere within the spectrum.
After meeting Michael Atkins, executive chairman of As tools and technologies continue to advance,
Work Force Match, Inc., the idea came to fruition. His many seniors can feel left behind and overwhelmed
background includes chairman and CEO of Amaxven, a by the growing list of programs, apps and websites
Hobe Sound-based management consulting and investment now utilized in everyday life. This digital divide
was exacerbated by the pandemic, which drove
a rapid acceleration in the use of telehealth and
other online services. While technology kept most
Americans connected to healthcare and loved ones,
countless seniors felt isolation and frustration as a
result of their lack of familiarity with technology.
La Posada, a Kisco Senior Living community
located in Palm Beach Gardens, wants to help
its residents fill the digital gap. Through a partnership with In addition to guided lessons, DiPanni frequently holds
Southern Exposure Technologies local organization, Social Savvy Seniors, the community has one-on-one sessions with residents to further assist them
Computer Install/Setup/Repair introduced programming to motivate participants to explore with their individual technology needs. One such individual,
Chuck Sawicki, is a passionate advocate for the Social Savvy
the uses and benefits of technology and social media.
(561) 315-0144 Founded in 2017 by Tiffany DiPanni, Social Savvy Seniors Seniors program and has received one-on-one training from
getsetgo.annie@gmail.com inspires seniors to enhance their quality of life by using DiPanni to help with his business. Through Social Savvy
* DSL, Broadband,Wireless Install technology. Through presentations, guided lessons and one-on- Senior’s Business for Boomers program, Sawicki has
* Networking, Troubleshooting one sessions, the organization is educating La Posada residents been able to perfect his presentations, get emails promptly
* Instruction and the greater Palm Beach senior community on how best to answered and master his personal devices to conduct
* Hardware/Software Installation use technology and social media to their advantage. business efficiently for his volunteer responsibilities in the
* Virus/Spyware/Adware Fix Palm Beach County SCORE chapter.
* Cleanup/Maintenance/Backup
* Business Consult/Startup/Move “I see Tiffany as a mentor,” noted Sawicki. “Many of
* Website Design/Maintenance us are intimidated by the rapid pace at which technology is
Call S.E.T. to install your “new computer, printer growing, but she is patient and encourages us to work with
and wireless network”! technology rather than against it.”
GET S.E.T. GO! The partnership between La Posada and Social Savvy
REASONABLE HOURLY, WEEKLY, MONTHLY RATES Seniors has also provided residents the ability to enjoy
FOR SMALL BUSINESSES FOR AS LOW AS $50.00 AN HOUR, modern amenities provided at the community, such as
WITH A MINIMUM OF 6 HOURS A MONTH, voice-command devices and Touchtown, La Posada’s mobile
OR 2 HOURS A WEEK, OR ON AN AS-NEEDED
BASIS RATE OF $75.00 P/HOUR. community-connection app. “Social Savvy Seniors has
START YOUR NEW YEAR WITH SECURE BACKUPS, given our residents confidence when using technology and
QUALITY MAINTENANCE, ATTENTION TO DETAIL AND social media,” said Rick Minichino, wellness director at La
PERSONABLE ON-SITE SUPPORT!
(561) 315-0144 “Growing up, I spent a lot of time around my grandmother Posada. “It makes daily responsibilities easier for them and
CALL S.E.T. TODAY FOR YOUR COMPUTER NEEDS! and her friends, which led me to notice that many seniors allows residents to stay connected with their families and
lacked important personal connections to their families because fully engage in life at the community.”
they either weren’t using social media platforms or had As a Kisco Senior Living community, La Posada is
difficulties trying to send texts or emails,” said DiPanni. “In a dedicated to offering enriching experiences that encourage
F AIRWAY PHYSICAL THERAPY digital age, most of us take these conveniences for granted, but residents to pursue their passions. The Social Savvy
many older generations grew up without modern technology, Seniors program is just one of many engaging programs
IS NOW so they are missing out on the immense benefits technology and activities offered to residents daily. Along with tech-
FUNXION REHAB can provide.” focused programming, wellness at La Posada includes
Social Savvy Seniors is conducting an ongoing multi-part upwards of 50 different programs that target each facet
CENTER! series at La Posada consisting of presentations and discussions of wellness including game and movie nights, exercise
about online security, social media, personal devices, fraud and classes, excursions to local areas of Palm Beach Gardens
more. Since beginning the program six months ago, residents and much more.
have vastly improved their tech-savvy skills, enabling them to “At La Posada, we consistently evaluate current events
Brett Richman, PT Owner
better manage prescriptions, use online banking, avoid scams, and issues that affect our senior residents,” said Minichino.
Physical Therapy Visits also offered video-chat with family, and even shop online independently. “Our primary goal is to provide a high quality of life, so we
Residents Bill and Marilyn Quinn have gained a wealth continuously pursue new programs and activities that will
in the home for convenience at no of knowledge from the program. Although both required not only better their lives but inspire them to take charge of

additional cost! different levels of assistance with technology, each of their their well-being.”
unique needs were addressed through Dipanni’s instruction.
While Bill received solutions to better manage his cellphone If you’re interested in learning more about life
Most Insurances accepted and email, Marilyn used Dipanni’s advice to help her identify at La Posada, call 561.475.3386 today to schedule
LA Fitness Plaza - PGA National scams and shop online safely. “My wife is the social director your personal tour and experience the La Posada
of our family,” laughed Bill. “Since we started participating
We have moved from Suite 27 to Suite 42 in the program, she is always on Facetime with family and lifestyle yourself. Visit mylaposada.com for more
friends and loves to shop online.” information.
(P)561 775-7775 (F) 561 293-2730 Paid Advertisement