District 228 Transitional Employment Program Leads Pet Project

The Bremen High School District 228 Transitional Employment Program (TEP) successfully completed its first donation project called the “TEP Pet Project."

TEP students and staff members called upon the community, fellow peers, and colleagues to donate toys, beds, bowls, leashes, treats, bleach, paper towels, baby wipes, blankets, and any other items that could benefit animals in need at the Half-Way Home Animal Rescue located in Orland Park.

Through their efforts, they collected 450 items as well as roughly 56 blankets from an anonymous donor who wishes to remain unnamed. These blankets will be distributed to the Half-Way Home Animal Rescue as well as other veterinarian shelters that may be in need in our local South Suburban area.

The blankets will help keep shelter pets off the ground and insulate them from cold floors.

Students in the District 228 TEP program are junior and senior special education students who are preparing to graduate and enter the workforce. The students took interest in this project after staff members arranged an opportunity for the students to speak with veterinarian Abigail Roeters from Mill Creek Animal Clinic in Palos Park in October.

During this opportunity, students had the chance to practice their soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, listening, respect and responsibility. Students were also able to learn more about the veterinarian career and about animals; such as their own pets they may have at home.

Collected items will be distributed to the Half-Way Animal Rescue and other shelters as early as this week.

District 228 and the TEP Program is grateful to everyone who donated and chose to take part in this important project.