On Tuesday Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger presented a check for $115,000 to the non-profit organization Carousel Ranch in support of their job training program for young adults with special needs. 

Barger presented the check to Carousel Ranch at College of the Canyons (COC) during an intimate graduation ceremony for Ready To Work! students on Tuesday. 

Supervisor Kathryn Barger speaks to the crowd about the impact on funding for the program. Photo by Zoya Alam

“We work with children with special needs. As they grow and become adults, they age out of the system,” said COC Interim Vice President of Work Force and Economic Advancement John Milburn. “We created a college program (Ready to Work!) for older students who are ready to get into the workplace.” 

Ready To Work! is a vocational training program for the special needs community run by coordination with COC and Carousel Ranch.

Courses in the program encompass weekly classroom training at COC and work experience at partner businesses such as Starbucks, Holiday Inn Express and AMS Fulfillment, according to Carousel Ranch’s website.

Families and students gather to celebrate the student’s achievements. Photo by Zoya Alam.

Carousel Ranch has been in Santa Clarita since 1997, and Barger’s $115,000 contribution to their Ready To Work! program comes during the 4 year anniversary.

“Without Supervisor Kathryn Barger’s donation to the program, we wouldn’t be doing this,” said Milburn. “We really appreciate her support of such an innovative workforce program.” 

At the ceremony, there were six graduates who completed a 12-week program:

• Kenny Opalk
• Marie Osborn
• Emma Pirio
• Joseph Votruba
• Jacque Webb
• Joshua Wilson

“Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone. You have overcome so much to be here today,” Barger told the graduates. “I am proud of your hard work, and look forward to seeing all of you continue to succeed.”

At the event, some students spoke about their experiences and expressed gratitude to their instructors.

“College of the Canyons is always trying to innovate and create programs that make a difference in our community. That’s what this is about,” said Milburn.

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