Today we’re excited to share with you the stories of two of our student participants, who day in and day out are making a difference in the lives of others. Ben and Tahir are connected to CIS through our Transition Services team, which helps student participants identify their career goals and make them a reality. Tahir has been working at ShopRite as a Lot Attendant since January, and Ben has been working as a Server and Dietary Aide at the Glen Mills Senior Living center since March. They’ve both stood out to their employers and the people they work with for their kindness, care, and attention.
Ben has long been interested in food service and working with older adults, and the position at Glen Mills Senior Living center has been a great fit. Since March, he’s gotten key experience developing a useful toolkit of service industry skills, and he’s proven himself to be a quick learner: his tasks have expanded the longer he’s been there, from taking and fulfilling drink orders, to preparing food trays and meal carts for delivery to residents, to keeping track of kitchen inventory and re-stocking supplies as needed. Ben values the job for the chance to serve older adults, and is always finding small ways to brighten their days as he goes about his work.
On the other side of town, you can find Tahir making his way to ShopRite for his shift. Since starting in January, he has received high praise for his work from his managers and support specialists. “He’s proven to be very dedicated and reliable, and has gained a lot of independence since he started,” said Amanda, Employment Training Specialist at CIS. He’s also gained a great reputation among customers and co-workers, who have come to know him for his friendly face and his eagerness to lend a helping hand. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him in a bad mood,” said Amanda. “Even under a protective mask, you can always tell he’s smiling.” Tahir’s hard work has paid off: as we were working on this story, he got in touch to let us know that he applied for and was offered a second job, in Rite Aid’s stock and maintenance department, and is excited to expand his skillset in that position.
We’re proud of Ben and Tahir for their commitment to making a difference in the lives of others, and are grateful for the chance to support them as they work to make their career goals a reality.
And while you’re here! Are you or a loved one a person with disabilities and looking for work? Head on over to our Career Services page to learn more about how we might be able to help.