Dreams Dinner Auction - Click Here for more information   Email Directory Work Opp News Success Stories Press Releases Board Members Careers Annual Report Photo Gallery Home Success Stories Work Opportunities offers a wide range of vocational services to meet the needs of the participants we serve Doing What She Loves - Teresa Peterson When Teresa, who is blind, came to Work Opportunities she was unsure about what type of work she wanted to do. After working on packaging and assembly tasks for awhile, she decided that her dream job would be one where she could work on the phones... Teresa received training in Work Opportunities front office. A volunteer worked with her on perfecting her typing skills, the buttons on the phone were brailled, and Teresa learned to type up phone messages and page people on the intercom. Numerous callers commented on her cheerful and pleasant phone demeanor. Teresa was ready to try her new skills in the community... The first thing Teresa and her Job Developer worked on was getting Teresa and her seeing-eye dog, Drew, familiar with their new worksite. Teresa received mobility training to learn the layout of her worksite. Her Job Developer then worked with her for two weeks mastering her phone skills. Teresa's computer calls people at random and she then describes their products to the customer and offers to schedule an appointment with a sales representative. Teresa loves her job at Statewide Vinyl and Siding and has this to say about achieving her goals, "I feel like I gained a lot of self-esteem and independence working with people that really cared about me and supported me. It feels great earning money doing a job that I love!" Teresa also takes part in "More Alike than Different" presentations where she visits schools, businesses and other community groups to show others what persons with disabilities can achieve. Home Run! Jeff Joins the Mariners. Ichiro,Brett Boone,Jeff Nelson; these and other new additions to the Seattle Mariner Baseball team have helped propel them to one of the greatest won- lost records for a first half of the season in baseball history. While these new additions no doubt have played a part in the Mariners miraculous season; we at Work Opportunities like to believe that the real secret to the Mariners success has been due to the addition of our very own Jeff Karalus. Jeff was hired this year by the Mariner organization to work in the position of a Greeter. As a Greeter, Jeff is responsible for distributing the promotional items handed out on Giveaway event games. For Jeff, an avid sports fan, his employment with the Mariners is the equivalent of hitting a grand slam. With the exuberance Jeff displays on the job; his hiring has also been a winning outcome for the Mariners. According to Jeremy Weir; Scheduling Coordinator for the Mariners; " It brought me great pleasure to hire Jeff into the Mariner organization. Jeff’s warm smile and friendly personality have been a welcome addition to our team. I look forward to Jeff’s future with us". We at Work Opportunities applaud both Jeff’s success with the Mariners and the tremendous effort extended by Jeremy Weir and the entire Mariner organization that has made this success possible. Go Mariners!!! Solectron Provides Job Benefits When Donna crashed her motorcycle and severely injured her left wrist she knew that she'd not be returning to any of the jobs she's held over the past few years. Yet for Donna, that crash may have been a "lucky" break thanks to a cooperative agreement between Solectron Northwest, Work Opportunities, and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation that encourages workers with disabilities to join the electronics industry. The arrangement allows Work Opportunities to screen potential electronics industry workers who are referred to DVR in our workshop setting in which contracts with Solectron and other local electronics firms provide the majority of work. "When I started I had no idea what I wanted to do," said Donna. "In the workshop I found that I could still use my hands and that I liked the work." Donna decided she wanted a job in electronics. Then she was introduced to Max England. Max has been a supervisor with Solectron about three years and has really spearheaded the assessment placement program. Max came to Solectron after changing careers following an injury, so he can empathize with what many of our assessment participants are going through. Max began at Solectron in an entry-level production job, but quickly rose through the ranks because of his strong supervisory skills. Max and Donna got along well from the start because of their mutual love of motorcycles. Max met with Donna as he does with all of the assessment candidates so he could determine in which department she would have the most success. Max was really impressed with Donna's good attitude and obvious willingness to work. Max felt Donna would have a good future with Solectron, and to increase her chances for promotions, he asked if we would send her to soldering school. Donna's DVR counselor agreed to send her to a three-week course on soldering at Sureflow. Donna excelled in her classes and Max has a position waiting for her when she completed the training. Donna took the opportunity and ran with it. She was so good at her job and learned so quickly that after a few weeks on the job she was training other employees to solder. Max said she really fit in well with the crew and was very popular because of her positive attitude. Donna commented that she was thankful for her job and was surprised at how quickly she went from being unemployed to having a career she truly enjoys and one that is helping her become independent. So far Work Opportunities has referred eleven people to the program. The hire rate is substantially higher than Solectron's traditional method of hiring through temporary agencies. The program has allowed people with limited electronics experience and often a sporadic work history to get their foot in the door at a major local employer and prove that they have what it takes. The Solectron program has truly proven to be a unique employment opportunity for people with disabilities who want to improve their lives through work. The future for this program looks bright as Solectron will be moving this summer and is planning to double its workforce in the next two years. Alan Hansen, Solectron's Production Manager, commented that he could easily hire four people a month from our program. Also, Max has been talking to anyone who will listen at Solectron about our program and why it should be a major hiring tool when recruiting for these new positions. Employment Profile - Dan Bailey Dan was interviewed at the Arlington Library on a pleasant sunny afternoon after his shift at Albertson’s. Dan shared a number of things about his work experience and outside life. A warm and helpful person, he was delighted to be chosen as a participant to speak about himself for this edition of The Challenger. Challenger: Dan, can you tell me how you came to Work Opportunities? Dan: I was employed with several different employers on my own throughout Snohomish County before I came to Work Opportunities. Although I enjoyed my work, it was a challenge at times due to a lack of understanding regarding appropriate response to seizures. Then, someone told me about help from the State and I was referred to DVR. DVR gave me Work Opportunities name to follow-up. I spent some time in the workshop before being placed. The workshop provided an added benefit as it enabled me to meet my future wife Carol who was in the workshop also. Challenger: So, you and Carol made each others acquaintance through Work Opportunities? Dan: Yes, we became friends - had many lunches together. We dated for 2 years and have been married for 8 years now. Our anniversary is July 10th. We live on a beautiful piece of property with several acres up in Arlington. Challenger: Where were you placed when you left the workshop? Dan: I started working in 1996 at Albertson’s Grocery on Evergreen Way in Everett. At Albertson’s, the jobs I have done include a variety such as working in the deli preparing salads & breading chicken, restocking the soda pop machines, maintenance repairs such as fixing door handles, unloading palettes to stock the shelves, and general custodial duties. What I enjoy about my job is being able to do many different things. Challenger: How does Albertson’s contrast with other jobs you have held? Dan: At Albertson’s, they are understanding of my needs. They work with their employee’s and I enjoy the people I work with. I get along well with others. In the past, before I was placed, other employers were not as able to build a team. Challenger: Do you have any hobbies that you enjoy? Dan: I love to draw and do it every day. My drawing has enabled me to inscribe tattoos which I sometimes do at the Tattoo Emporium in Everett. Woodcarving is another of my hobbies - I really enjoy working with my hands. I have sold carvings from $20 to $300 depending on the size. Some of my woodcarvings have been of elks, unicorns, roses, and dragons. I also enjoy using an airbrush and have made murals on my motorcycle. Challenger: Can you tell me what has been one of the most interesting experiences that you have had recently? Dan: Well, the other day at Albertson’s, I saw someone shoplifting a bottle of beer. I chased him down a few blocks and was able to stop him in his tracks until the police came. Challenger: In his tracks? How did you do this? Dan: I learned Judo when I was in grade school and have also studied Tae Kwon Do at the Black Belt Academy near my home in Arlington. In Judo, I have a black belt and in Tae Kwon Do, I have a blue belt. There is a nerve point below the elbow and when you press on it - which I did with the shoplifter, it will slow a person down or make them stop. Challenger: Dan, if you could make three wishes, what would they be? Dan: I would like everyone to be happy. Then, no more sickness anywhere. And, to improve my reading. Arriving at McDonalds’s on a very warm and sunny afternoon, Barb was just putting her finishing touches on the condiment countertop before ending her workweek. We decided to talk at her apartment, which is conveniently located next to the Lynnwood Library, only about 12 blocks from her job. Challenger: Tell me a bit about your history with Work Opportunities. Barb: I worked at a pizza chain until they moved to Seattle. I wanted to continue working and living in this area, and with the help of Work Opportunities, I was able to find a new position with McDonalds. I was very happy working there, but unfortunately the restaurant closed and I was again faced with the challenge of finding another job. As luck would have it, I was able to secure a similar position at another McDonalds. I had one interview and was hired immediately. All told, I have now been with McDonald’s for three plus years. Challenger: Tell us a little more about your duties at McDonald’s. Barb: I work with a great team of people! I really enjoy my job because of terrific co-workers and my wonderful Manager, Fran. Everyone does a good job and we get along really well. When I am at work, I enjoy cleaning the tables, making sure the floor is mopped spotlessly clean and checking on the condiments regularly. The McDonald’s I work at is very busy and these areas need frequent attention. I feel happy making sure everything looks neat and clean! Challenger: Are you a Washington native? Barb: I am, however I am originally from Eastern Washington. I grew up in Yakima and my mother who is 80 something still resides there. When my father moved over here some years ago, I decided I would come to the Lynnwood area also and relocated. Although my father has since passed away, I keep in close contact with my mother. She is still driving and a few times a year comes over to Lynnwood, picks me up, and we go home to Yakima for the weekend. In her condo complex, I enjoy visiting the neighbors, using the hot tub, swimming, going out to eat, and movies. We have a really good time, and are very close. Challenger: Do you have any family in this area? Barb: Oh, yes I do! And I see them regularly also as we are tightly knit. I have a nephew in Renton, a niece in Mukilteo, and my sister is here too. All three of them have June birthdays! Challenger: What kind of activities do you enjoy in your free time? Barb: Well, there are several things I like to do. Once a month I meet for lunch with a group of women friends. We go to a different restaurant each time and have been to Izzy’s Pizza and Jimbo’s. We’re talking about going to the movies too. I would like that as I am a movie fan myself – just saw “Pearl Harbor” which I thought was good! When I come home from work, I enjoy following the Sonic’s on television. I know the player’s names and can tell you who plays what position. So, if anyone has questions about the Sonic’s, I have the answers! I also collect dolls and have over 10 of them from the “Victorian Collection”. Challenger: Since you are a bit of a sports fan, what about the Mariners? Barb: Yes, I follow them too. I’m excited about going to games this summer and seeing the new stadium in Seattle. It will be fun to go with Work Opportunities in the van. Challenger: Well you seem to have quite a few interests that keep you busy! Barb: I do. And am getting ready to plan for a BIG barbecue at Wilcox Park. It will be a combination gathering of employees from two McDonald’s and we will be having hamburgers, hotdogs, games, etc. Challenger: If I was a Genie and gave you a magic lamp, what would you wish for? Barb: Well, I don’t want to make a wish because all of my wishes have come true. Thanks anyway! Enclave Profile: Joel Barber Joel Barber started working at the Eldec enclave in Oct. 2000. Prior to working in the enclave, Joel was working at Signature Bakery in Lynnwood, a position he gained through the assistance of our Individual Employment program staff. Joel stated that the work at Signature was fun, but very challenging and became too difficult for him to maintain as his duties and natural supports at Signature continued to change. Joel then came to our Work Center in Lynnwood to build more skills and improve his work habits. During his assessment there, a position opened at Eldec and Joel was very interested, since the location and job duties in the mailroom were a good fit for Joel’s abilities and interests. Now Joel sorts and delivers Eldec’s mail throughout their large plant. He also does a number of outgoing mail pick up, mailroom special projects, and other deliveries, which required him to quickly learn his way around and familiarize himself with Eldec employees’ office cubicle locations. Joel’s Eldec co-workers are extremely pleased with his professional attitude, good work habits and friendly disposition. "Joel is a pleasure to work with," states his mailroom co-worker and natural support, Karen. "I’m so impressed with his skills and his memory is great. He knows the mail stops so well, he helps remind me when mail stops change and he even has caught mistakes others have made while sorting the mail." Recently, Joel was a guest at Work Opportunities’ monthly Board meeting where he explained to our Board members his work history and current job duties at the enclave. When asked about this experience Joel enthusiastically recalled, "Talking at the Board meeting was fun. I did a good job and they applauded for me when I finished." We are very excited to have Joel in the enclave program and know that this will be a good opportunity for Joel to continue to gain new skills, meet new friends, and continue on his career path. Sally Reaches for New Dreams Do the best you can and be proud of yourself", is the advice Work Opportunities’ participant Sally Hensel has for fellow vocational trainees. She’s learned over the years that hard work and a great attitude really pay off. When Sally was referred to Work Opportunities for an evaluation in 1987 by her Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Suzanne Monteiro, her only work experience had been some housecleaning for a neighbor one day each week. She had been content for the previous 23 years in her role as a housewife. That all changed when a car accident forced her husband to quit working. She admits to being quite fearful at the prospect of going to work and everything it involved. With the added support of the Division of Developmental Disabilities, Work Opportunities assisted Sally in developing the skills that would help her be successful in a competitive setting. The staff at the Work Center recalls watching Sally’s self-esteem and work skills improving every month, and the fear began to ebb away. When the idea of working in a less supervised setting was discussed with Sally she says she felt "very happy and excited to leave the shop, learn a new job and have new experiences." Sally was interested in the enclave program within Stevens Memorial Hospital. She started in the stores department where she performed a variety of tasks. The experience was all she needed to say, "This is it for me." Today, Sally’s favorite duties include delivering supplies and assisting patients with handling their belongings. She says the best part of the job is "I get plenty of exercise and my friends give good comments about me and say nice things." One of those co-workers, Ron Bieneman, had this to say about Sally’s work performance. "Sally does a great job and I don’t know what we would do without her." The staff at Stevens Memorial Hospital have been extremely supportive of Sally. Sally joins her co-workers during her off hours for recreational events and has formed a number of strong friendships. "I think I have grown through my experiences and feel very proud of myself," explains Sally. Thanks to a strong personal commitment, a supportive environment in which to work and a desire to learn new things, Sally has indeed grown in many ways and we commend her in her achievements. Work First Success Story Diana had not worked in nearly five years when she first met Mary Ann Durante, Work Opportunities WEX Coordinator. She had already participated in a twelve-week workshop on job finding sponsored by Employment Security, but was still having problems obtaining work. Without a current work history, Diana found it difficult to become employed and became quite discouraged. "WEX", an acronym for "work experience" involves Work First participants working in a volunteer position in a nonprofit organization, a hospital, a school, or for a public entity in order to gain new skills and enhance existing skills. WEX assists the participant in preparing for returning to full time work. Most participants attend the WEX for three months and usually work 20-25 hours per week, depending on their Individual Responsibility Plan (IRP). This plan is set up through their case manager at the Department of Social and Health Services office. Diana met Mary Ann and they began to develop a plan to place Diana in a volunteer WEX site to help her re-enter the work place, update her basic skills and gain new skills to make her more marketable in the employment arena. For Diana, the opportunity to try out work meant being able to have a current work history and build stamina for returning to full time employment. The response by local employers to the idea of a WEX has been extremely positive. Barbara Copeland, Self-Reliance Coordinator at Campfire Boys and Girls, immediately agreed to take Diana under her wing and help her achieve some of her goals toward self-sufficiency. On the first day at her new WEX site, Diana was a little nervous, but eager to begin. Mary Ann accompanied her to the site to help her get settled in and then Diana began her first work experience in nearly five years. "With my physical disability and long absence from the work place, I didn't think that I would be able to hold down a job for any length of time," said Diana. "Mary Ann and Barbara made me feel comfortable and were responsive to my needs." Diana completed her WEX in June, and will now begin her search for paid employment. Having worked for the past three months has helped her to acclimate to being employed and all the responsibilities associated with it. She will be able to include the past three months on her resume and Barbara Copeland will be an excellent reference for Diana. "Diana was extremely pleasant and helpful during her time with us and without her help, many of my projects would never have been completed," said Barbara. Barbara has also commented that when Mary Ann first approached her with the idea of a WEX, she was a little skeptical. She had an unfavorable experience with a previous volunteer. Now, after working with Diana, she has changed her mind and is willing to help future WEX participants in their strides for becoming independent. © 2004, Work Opportunities.com, All rights reserved.