Peyton has autism and adhd and came to employU hoping to learn about the job market while gaining work experience. He wanted to know more about looking for a job, creating a resume, and how to interview successfully. His ultimate goal was to earn additional money so he would be more financially independent. ![]()
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Interested in warehouse work and team environments, his employU employment specialist Tony, helped him prepare to find one. At first, it took some time for Peyton to become comfortable with the job search and interviewing process. But he practiced with Tony until he was able to answer interview questions with ease. Tony then helped him get an on-the-job training (OJT) in a Goodwill warehouse.![]()
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As a warehouse assistant, Peyton works in all areas including accepting donations, sorting donations, testing electronics, moving and sorting bins meant to go back to the corporate warehouse, loading and unloading the weekly truck, and keeping the warehouse organized and flowing properly. ![]()
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Initially, he had a hard time communicating with his peers and supervisors, but was able to overcome these challenges through coaching. Tony explains, “Peyton's attitude is a can-do attitude. He is personable once he warmed up to his coworkers and routinely got positive feedback from his peers and supervisors. He is naturally inquisitive and took the initiative to seek new skills and learn new tasks in the warehouse.” ![]()
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At the end of his OJT, Peyton was offered a permanent position at Goodwill. The regional manager was so impressed with him that she gave the store additional hours to hire him in the middle of a hiring freeze. Tony expresses his pride for Peyton stating, “He worked so hard that he got a position created for him. He really took charge of his own learning!” #employingabilities
Russell is from New Smyrna Beach and started in our youth program last year looking to develop his employment skills. His employU employment specialist, Evelyn, helped him find a position at the Bagel Barn Cafe and Deli to get him started.![]()
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Initially, Russell had a hard time coming in focused and ready to work if there were issues outside of the job that had happened during the day. Evelyn took the time to talk with him about those things each shift before redirecting him to his work duties. With the support of Evelyn and his family Russell's confidence has grown and he is learning to leave outside issues at the door when coming into work.![]()
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Russell has completed 3 paid work based learning experiences with us and his optimism and willingness to try new things make us certain he will succeed! ![]()
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Our youth career exploration program allows students the chance to gain paid work experience in a variety of different industries to help build employment skills and help them discover their future career path. #employingabilities
Paulette is a recent graduate from Florida A&M with a BS in Broadcast Journalism. Autism has contributed to her passion and excellence in writing because she “sees” things from a unique perspective which charges her creativity. She just started her On-the-Job Training Program (OJT) as a Social Media Content Coordinator, at Independence Landing and says this is her dream job because she has always wanted her work to make a difference.![]()
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Her first project is working directly with the Executive Director, Kim Galban-Countryman to promote Independence Landing’s grand opening. Independence Landing is Tallahassee’s newest “safe, affordable residential community for adults with intellectual and/or cognitive disabilities. Not only will Paulette be managing all social media, but she will also be active in all of their publicity and promotional events, assist with their web page and create newsletters. After the completion of her OJT, Paulette will get to permanently join the team!![]()
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Sheila, Paulette's employU employment specialist says, “Careers aren’t always found on job posting sites.” She enjoys networking in the community and views all of her outings, both personal or professional, as networking opportunities for her clients. One day, she and Ms. Galban-Countryman met about an unrelated topic and Ms. Galban-Countryman said “…If only I had someone to manage all of our social media,” and Sheila replied “I have that person for you!”![]()
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As part of essential employment services offered by employU, Sheila and Paulette scheduled interview preparation to help Paulette focus on her skills and strengths and overcome her jitters.![]()
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Congratulations Paulette on your new career and thank you Independence Landing for offering a ground floor opportunity for her professional development! #employingabilities
Robert has autism and limited communication skills. He joined our discovery program a few years ago because it was important to his parents that he found employment that was all his own. Something he could take pride in and earn an independent income. After spending some time with Robert, His employU employment specialist, Wendy, discovered that he loves to help others and feel needed.![]()
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Dave & Buster's has been an amazing business partner for our clients so Wendy helped Robert interview for an on the job training (OJT) in the kitchen there. He found his place in the dish room but was always willing to help out wherever needed. Between Wendy and the staff at D&B Robert learned all he needed to create a successful routine. At the end of the OJT they hired him permanently!![]()
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It has now been over 2 years and Robert is still exceeding expectations. He works 4 days a week in the restaurant portion of the company and is well liked by both his coworkers and managers. Robert has found a place he can belong and has even improved his communication skills! #employingabilities
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