What my job means to me--

fyi

I love this story taken from the latest

Rhode Island Department of

Behavioral Healthcare,

Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals

post

In Her Own Words

What my job means to me--

My name is Leann and I live in Newport. I work at the Boys and Girl Club and work for Looking Upwards at the Florence Gray Center. I also do some work for Fab Newport. I was hired to clean the floors, tables, gym, restrooms, etc. I am good at my job and have been working here for about two years. I get to make money which is important so I can do things that I want.

I have a dog named Bob, and I pay for his food, haircuts and vet bills. This job helps me pay for those things. I like to go out to dinner with my boyfriend, go shopping, go to the movies. I take the RIPTA bus to get to where I want to go. I know a lot of places in my community and when I find somewhere that I think my friends would enjoy, I always grab a brochure or flyer and bring it to show people.

Since working at the Florence Gray Center, I have made friends with the ladies at the businesses upstairs, especially Cynthia, who works at the Food Bank. Sometimes I go out for coffee with Cynthia at Dunkin Donuts when we are not working. She has become my friend. I also like to use the gym when I’m not working to keep me strong. I am very helpful to all the businesses at the Florence Gray Center, and like to help out anyone who needs it. I feel good about coming to work every day because it keeps me busy, I make money to pay the bills, and I get to see my friends.

Last year I was a part of the Sidewalk Parade, which is a celebration of art, community, and nature, in Newport’s North End….My Neighborhood! This year I am a member of the planning committee for the Sidewalk Parade, which is coming up in April. I help get everything ready for the parade so that everyone can enjoy it and have fun! The parade gets people out of their houses and I can meet new people in my neighborhood and say ‘Hi.’

Getting this job was a great idea because it keeps me focused, smart, happy, and I make money and new friends!

Leanne

Job Seekers Club

The BHDDH Employment Team, consisting of DDD staff members Tracey Cunningham & Jay MacKay, host a Job Seekers Club at Advocates in Action. This is an opportunity to discuss job seeking strategies, share success stories and talk about issues surrounding finding and keeping a job. Photos to the left show folks playing Job Jeopardy.

For information about the Club, email

Jay MacKay or call 401-462-5279.

NEW Opportunities for

Employment and Training

The Department of Labor and Training (DLT) and Governor’s Workforce Board (GWB) have awarded multiple community organizations and Developmental Disability Providers with grants through the Real Pathways RI program to open new doors for unemployment and training for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Click here for more information.

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You may read this newsletter after March 29th at http://www.bhddh.ri.gov/whats_...