WestBridge Vocational (WBV) clients come to us for soft-skill training and other work-related training to succeed in work and life. Once they complete our program, their employability shines by applying their new found independence and training at work and in their daily lives. Katie McLaughlin is one of our success stories! She entered Webster Enterprises, which is now WestBridge Vocational, Inc., in 2004. Katie was supported by her family, job coaches, a vigorous training program, and an engaged group of employees, helping her succeed. Program goals such as cooperation, efficiency, flexibility, and teamwork were accomplished by Katie. Her success was clear and documented, with visible changes in her social skills and other areas of her life.
Katie (center) with parents Sue and Bill Evans
A Good Family Support System Helps Too
Excerpt from Katie’s mom:
In 1999, my family moved to Sylva, North Carolina. Our daughter, Katie, enrolled at Smoky Mountain High School in their special education program. As part of this curriculum, she spent several hours of her school day at Webster Enterprises, now known as WestBridge Vocational Inc. She met many wonderful folks who embraced her while learning the task of “folding surgical drapes.” After graduation in 2004, Webster Enterprises hired Katie as a full-time employee. She then learned a job task and learned how to be a “good” employee, learned social skills, developmental skills, and educational skills. They supplied a safe and loving environment for our daughter. As parents, we were always included in her progress and many activities at the facility. They became a second family to us for many years!Katie moved on from her employment at Webster Enterprises in 2019. At that time, she was the longest-employed person there. During her time at Webster, she received awards and made some lifelong friendships. We will be grateful forever to the administration and employees at Webster Enterprises for all they have done to help make Katie successful in many ways. We have all made lifelong friendships. Our family will continue to support WestBridge Vocational Inc. as they rebrand their facility.
The Future Looks Bright
Katie left WestBridge Vocational and moved into a supported living environment with peers. She continues to work at a workshop, learning how to live independently. WestBridge will continue to have many “successful stories’ in the future and strive to “Connecting People to Opportunity.”
