Alger Barry proudly displays a letter informing him that he has been hired to work at his first job at Goodwill in Marquette. The job opportunity became available with help from the Marquette-Alger Regional Education Service Agency transitions program. (Photo courtesy of Patty Barry)

MARQUETTE — “I’m an adult now.”

That is what 19-year-old Alger Barry proudly told his mother upon learning two weeks ago that he had been hired at his first job. Barry experienced a non-traditional pathway into the workforce, one that was made possible with help from a program that celebrates his potential and will help him to gain independence as a man living with disabilities.

Barry uses a wheelchair due to arthrogryposis, a condition which limits the range of motion in his joints.

He also experiences some cognitive disabilities, but that did not stop him from earning his diploma from Ishpeming High School last June.

However, after graduation, it was unclear what the future would hold for Barry in terms of finding employment.

Marquette-Alger Regional Education Service Agency administers the transition program that made Barry’s first job as an associate at the Goodwill thrift store in Marquette possible.

“It’s going to give him some independence and allow him to be able to socialize in the community. I want what is best for him and we are hoping the MARESA transition program helps him succeed in his career,” his mother, Patty Barry said.

There are currently 41 students enrolled in the transition program, which is available to people living with disabilities who are ages 18-26 and reside in Marquette or Alger Counties.

A job coach accompanies students to work during the transition. Prior to being matched with employers, the transition students learn job tasks in a pre-vocational room in the MARESA building.

“We work off a transition curriculum focused on daily living skills, community skills, career skills, social skills and recreation and leisure skills,” MARESA transition coordinator Kyra Thorpe said.

The students are matched with jobs based on their interests. Thorpe said that businesses all over both counties have been willing to help the students along their paths to career success.

“We love our community partners,” Thorpe said. “They have been very welcoming.”

While Alger Barry was proud to launch his career, his mother is just happy to see her son have this opportunity to thrive.

“Alger is a social butterfly so this experience helps him open up even more, giving him an opportunity to be like everyone else in the workforce.” she said.

Jessica Potila can be reached at 906-228-2500. Her email address is jpotila@miningjournal.net.