Last week we shared a piece about the CIS Benefits Team and their work with Gregory, and we’re happy to be back with more good news: he’s returned to the jobs he loves at the Philadelphia Animal Hospital and the bakery at GIANT, all the while carrying on his work as an advocate, resource, and community builder for people with autism.

Gregory is a nonspeaking person with autism and apraxia, and is the creator of the popular blog, The Autistic Mind Finally Speaks (check it out at inautism.wordpress.com!). He’s published two books, is a thoughtful and funny writer and advocate, and his work has taken him to exciting heights: he was one of just 15 featured speakers at Penn State’s conference dedicated to amplifying voices of Autistic advocates, hosted by the Trio Training Academy. The virtual conference took place last week, and Gregory led a seminar with over 4,000 people registered to attend.

The seminar was awesome, and with the conference behind him, Gregory’s turned his focus back to his jobs at GIANT and the Philadelphia Animal Hospital.

“Having a job makes me feel like I have a purpose,” he told us.  “At Philadelphia Animal Hospital I put together surgical kits and stock the store room. I also fold the laundry. I am always happy to work there because they are friendly and glad to see me. It is a nice place to work while I also learn about animals.”

And he told us that he absolutely loves his job at Giant. “I feel valued there.” Gregory said.  “I know I am doing a good job, and feel like I am able to do what everyone else does. Because of this I feel good about myself.”

Writing, building community, working with animals, decorating delicious cakes—Gregory truly does it all, and we’re lucky to know him and get to celebrate his work. Give him a follow at his blog, or watch him tell his story in his own words in this incredible video.