October is both Down Syndrome Awareness Month and National Disability Employment Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to introduce you to our friend Tommy.
Tommy has been a part of the Life’s WORC family for over 14 years, having been a participant in one of our Day Habilitation programs and then moving into one of our residences 12 years ago. “Tommy is a great guy and truly a pleasure to be around,” says John Pfeifer, Assistant Executive Director of Residential Services. “He is a great role model to his friends and roommates – always enthusiastic and excited to take on new challenges, opportunities and responsibilities.”
These opportunities include taking on jobs that enable him to earn his own money and demonstrate his independence. Tommy’s first job was at Wendy’s, where he was hired as a dining room attendant, cleaning tables, keeping condiments and utensils filled, emptying trash, etc. He worked there part time for about seven years, but when his position was reduced to just four hours he began to pursue a new opportunity with more hours.
At that point, Tommy was hired by the Center for Developmental Disabilities working in their Maintenance Department, and he has been with them for almost three years now. Tommy works in the laundry room, using industrial washers and dryers. He is responsible for doing the laundry of the residents who live in the dormitory at the Center. Tommy currently works 10am-3pm, four days a week, and as an essential worker he worked all through the COVID-19 pandemic. He takes his job very seriously and is a friendly face around the building. Tommy enjoys his job and being part of the crew, and his bosses are very proud of him.
Outside of work, Tommy loves baseball and hockey and is a huge New York Islanders fan. He participates in a sled hockey program as well. “Tommy is an outgoing, social guy, and truly treasures his friendships,” John Pfeifer adds. “It’s always a good day when we get to see his bright smile!”
In honor of the 50th Anniversary of Life’s WORC, we will be sharing the stories, people and events that have made Life’s WORC the organization it is today, along with our goals and vision for the future. Thank you for celebrating with us!