Welcomes Jump Start intern for convenience store internship.

VERC Enterprises, an independent c-store chain with locations throughout eastern Massachusetts and New Hampshire is now working with the Minute Man Arc Jump Start Program.

The pre-employment and transition program was established to provide internship opportunities to young people with disabilities, allowing clients of Minute Man Arc to acquire work experience prior to seeking employment.

Jump Start is a collaboration between Minute Man Arc and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, offering individuals between the ages of 16 and 22 a ground breaking, real work experience. Participants receive extensive job training from seasoned professionals and then are matched to paid internships where they are coached to do their best work.

VERC Enterprises, which has held a long relationship with Minute Man Arc, recently welcomed its first Jump Start intern for a 6-8-week internship. Over the years VERC has provided employment to numerous Minute Man Arc clients and has been recognized by the agency for its policy to hire workers with disabilities.

Minute Man Arc for Human Services, Inc. was founded in 1958 by a group of local families to provide services for their children with disabilities. Over its 60-year history, the agency has grown into a full-service provider offering programs and services to more than 800 children and adults throughout Eastern Massachusetts.

“VERC is a model employer, a true leader in hiring people with disabilities,” said Barbara Jean White, director of employment at Minute Man Arc. “We are grateful for their partnership and long-time support of our values and goals.”

“It is our privilege to partner with Minute Man Arc on this important transition program,” said Barry Ahern, Vice President of Operations with VERC Enterprises. “We are proud of our commitment to employ those in our communities with developmental challenges; it is a commitment we plan on honoring for many years to come.”