Automotive Services teacher, Jason Hallenbeck, from Questar III’s Rensselaer Educational Center recently received the Community Partnership Award from Arc of Rensselaer County.
The award was presented to Hallenbeck at the fifth annual Community Partners Breakfast which recognized 11 community members who have taken Arc consumers under their wing.
Jason Hallenbeck receives the Community Partner Award with Julie Chapman, YNN news anchor, Adam VanDuesen, student, and Hanns Meissner, CEO of The Arc of Rensselaer County
Hallenbeck has taught adult education courses through Arc for the past five years. The courses teach the students about small engines and basic auto repair. The skills Hallenbeck’s class provides to the students help them to find employment in the community. His courses typically run from 6-12 weeks once or twice a year.
Kelly Vandeputte, Senior Training and Development Specialist for ARC of Rensselaer County, is impressed with Hallenbeck’s ability to engage students.
“Jason is able to encourage students and keep them focused on what they are learning. He engages the students and helps them find a skill they enjoy and are good at,” said Vandeputte.
The award came as a pleasant surprise to Hallenbeck.
“I had not realized that I was doing something that deserved an award of recognition. I am happy to teach the consumers of ARC a skill that they can use in their future,” he said.
The Arc of Rensselaer County is an association of people with disabilities, parents, professionals and community members dedicated to building the capacity of the community to fully include persons with disabilities. Since their founding in 1950 by a group of parents, Arc has developed a rich array of services to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.
