Supported Employment
Nick's First Job: A Place to Belong
May 21, 2024
Do You Remember your first job?
The excitement, the nerves, and all the opportunities for growth along the way?
These feelings are fresh for Nick, a local young man who recently started his first job as a Dining Services Aid at Pioneer Village Independent and Assisted Living. A quiet guy with a great sense of humor and a contagious smile, Nick lives with his family in South Medford, where he enjoys staying active, practicing his faith, and caring for his pets.
Starting out, Nick was shy and unsure. When approached, he would sometimes hide his face behind his Job Coach, Tawnia. Over time, he settled into the community, smiling and waving to everyone and even creating a secret handshake with the chef.
Nick learned his job quickly, developing a routine and taking ownership of his duties in a way that impressed Beondi Hewson, Executive Director of Pioneer Village.
“We are pleased with our partnership with Living Opportunities. It has been a huge success for everyone involved,” she said. She encourages more employers to participate in Supported Employment. “Nick is a valued piece of our puzzle. Living Opportunities has helped everything go smoothly, supporting both Nick and us as employers.”
As the weeks went by, Beondi watched Nick become genuinely skilled in his job.
“Nick is a valued piece of our puzzle. Living Opportunities has helped everything go smoothly, supporting both Nick and us as employers.” — Beondi Hewson, Executive Director, Pioneer Village
“Nick does exactly what he is asked to a tee. He arrives on time, hangs his coat, gives me a big smile and a nod, then heads out to complete his duties to perfection. Our leadership is thrilled. The community at Pioneer Village is proud to have Nick on the team.”
You can tell Nick is proud of himself. Tawnia is proud of him, too. For her, it’s one of the most rewarding parts of being a Job Coach.
“I enjoy supporting Nick so he feels like he has a place where he belongs,” she said.
And isn’t that what we’re all looking for in a job? A place that feels like a community?
With a mission of creating and sustaining caring environments, Pioneer Village works hard to provide just such a place. In recognition of his hard work and dedication, Nick has been named Employee of the Month.
Congratulations to Nick on his achievement.