Braxton Stewart (center) is pictured with (from left) Sheri Muehleman, Crystal Riley, Cejay Riley and Carey Boggess.
Since graduating from Murray High School in 2022, Braxton Stewart is gaining the necessary skills and qualifications to obtain employment at 21 after returning to Murray High School through the Community Work Transition Program (CWTP). Currently, Braxton is working at Carey’s Boutique in Murray.
Crystal Riley, Braxton’s MHS teacher , hopes to move forward with more students and parents, who will take advantage of this opportunity. “We are continuing to build back relationships lost during COVID and the community has greeted us with open arms.”
The goal of the CWTP program is for participating students to gain the skills needed to achieve competitive integrated employment before graduation or high school exit. The program allows for further development and pursuit of career interests with a comprehensive vocational assessment, job search, job placement, and job follow-up. Students in the program begin CWTP Transition Services when determined eligible for services by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR).
When talking to Jeff and Karmel Stewart, Braxton’s parents, about job ideas for Braxton after high school, Karmel mentioned Carey’s Boutique because Carey Boggess, the owner, already has a relationship with Braxton, and their family. Riley contacted Boggess and discussed Braxton working there and Boggess was very receptive.
Boggess said the program is a wonderful opportunity. “It provides a chance to work with fellow employees, while also enabling them to gain a taste of working,” she explained. “They are able to see and experience the day-to-day operations, build their confidence and create the necessary skills for an employment opportunity.”
Sheri Muehleman, Community Work Transition Program – Employment specialist, said Carey's is affording Braxton a great opportunity to contribute his talents to her business. “Her willingness to be supportive and flexible is a testament to her commitment to making sure everyone has a chance to succeed in future employment.”
Riley and Muehleman chaperone Braxton once a week for one hour at Carey’s for his scheduled work time. Cejay Riley, an MHS senior peer mentor also accompanies him, while explaining and illustrating to Braxton how to fold clothes, organizes restocks, and straighten items while working at the store.