Get your raffle tickets today... just $5 per chance. Only 100 tickets will be sold. Drawing is November 15th. Contact Jeff Thomas at (585) 658-2828 ext. 128 or jthomas@lwarc.org. All proceeds benefit The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
MANY HAPPY RETURNS: Evan Pirrello turns personal passion into employment
With help from Hilltop Industries, 23-year-old Evan Pirrello has turned a long-time interest into a budding career at Wegmans Food Markets, consistently ranked among Fortune magazine's "Best Companies to Work For."
"When I was in high school, I wasn't quite sure what I wanted as a job, but I knew that I wanted to do something with the environment," Evan says, during a chat at Wegmans' Geneseo store, where he has worked since August. "I was interested in the environment and environmental science. Now, I work in recycling."
Evan works 20-30 hours a week overseeing the supermarket's bottle and can redemption room, which houses several automated machines into which customers feed their recyclable containers. These recyclables are automatically counted and collected into large bins located in a work area behind the redemption room. Evan empties the bins when they fill up, and takes the bottles and crushed cans to the back of the store where they are ultimately delivered to a recycling facility. He's also charged with keeping the customer and staff areas clean and stocked with supplies such as paper towels, soap, hand sanitizer, and trash bags.
"I think Evan is a very responsible and conscientious worker," says Sally Witter, one of two full-time employees who oversees the Wegmans service desk. "He's always on time, and he's friendly and easy to work with. Evan always sees that the bottle area is taken care of before he leaves or goes on break."
For Evan, the road to community employment began in 2007, at the Hilltop work center in East Avon, where he worked summer jobs as a high school student. At the facility, Evan worked alongside other individuals with disabilities as they soldered components for Star Headlight & Lantern Co., a manufacturer of emergency vehicle safety lighting.
In 2009, Evan made the transition to college. He attended Genesee Community College with financial and moral support from New York State's Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) program. With guidance from counselor Rodney Evans, Evan maintained an overall grade point average of 3.6, while studying cultural anthropology, human diversity, and meteorology, among other courses. Evan continued to work part time throughout his 2 1/2 year term at GCC.
After graduation, Evan enrolled in Hilltop's Work Readiness program, which combines workshops on job interviewing and resume writing with tours of prominent local businesses. To further his marketability, Evan also spent about three months working at Hilltop's own bottle and can redemption center in Mount Morris, sorting recyclables by hand and honing his service skills. When the opportunity to interview at Wegmans arose, Evan was ready.
"He just nailed the interview," says Hilltop Job Developer Roxanne Adamson, of the Job Readiness program. "I smile when I think of it, because he was almost too good. Evan had studied all of the right materials. He knew the year that Wegmans was number one on the Fortune magazine list, and all of the years that they were in the top 10. It was like a commercial for Wegmans. I wish that we could have taped it."
Today, Evan is a largely independent worker. Bob Haslett, a Hilltop Job Coach, joins Evan about twice a month, and keeps in touch with his supervisors. But Evan routinely drives to-and-from work from his home in Nunda, and goes about his daily duties at Wegmans in exactly the same manner as his non-disabled peers.
"At first I was pretty nervous. I didn't know quite what to expect," Evan says. "Now, I think that I like the customers the best. At Hilltop, I got to interact with my co-workers; here, it's more customer-focused. Customers will ask me where a particular bottle goes, or what happens to their bottles after they put them in the machine. I like to help them."
What's next for this over achiever? "I'd like to venture off into different departments," Evan says, of his goals at Wegmans — and he's not afraid to do some heavy lifting to get there.
"Later this month, I'm taking a class at BOCES in Mount Morris to get my forklift certification," he says. "That opens up a lot more possibilities."
"When I was in high school, I wasn't quite sure what I wanted as a job, but I knew that I wanted to do something with the environment," Evan says, during a chat at Wegmans' Geneseo store, where he has worked since August. "I was interested in the environment and environmental science. Now, I work in recycling."Evan works 20-30 hours a week overseeing the supermarket's bottle and can redemption room, which houses several automated machines into which customers feed their recyclable containers. These recyclables are automatically counted and collected into large bins located in a work area behind the redemption room. Evan empties the bins when they fill up, and takes the bottles and crushed cans to the back of the store where they are ultimately delivered to a recycling facility. He's also charged with keeping the customer and staff areas clean and stocked with supplies such as paper towels, soap, hand sanitizer, and trash bags.
"I think Evan is a very responsible and conscientious worker," says Sally Witter, one of two full-time employees who oversees the Wegmans service desk. "He's always on time, and he's friendly and easy to work with. Evan always sees that the bottle area is taken care of before he leaves or goes on break."
For Evan, the road to community employment began in 2007, at the Hilltop work center in East Avon, where he worked summer jobs as a high school student. At the facility, Evan worked alongside other individuals with disabilities as they soldered components for Star Headlight & Lantern Co., a manufacturer of emergency vehicle safety lighting.
In 2009, Evan made the transition to college. He attended Genesee Community College with financial and moral support from New York State's Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) program. With guidance from counselor Rodney Evans, Evan maintained an overall grade point average of 3.6, while studying cultural anthropology, human diversity, and meteorology, among other courses. Evan continued to work part time throughout his 2 1/2 year term at GCC.
After graduation, Evan enrolled in Hilltop's Work Readiness program, which combines workshops on job interviewing and resume writing with tours of prominent local businesses. To further his marketability, Evan also spent about three months working at Hilltop's own bottle and can redemption center in Mount Morris, sorting recyclables by hand and honing his service skills. When the opportunity to interview at Wegmans arose, Evan was ready.
"He just nailed the interview," says Hilltop Job Developer Roxanne Adamson, of the Job Readiness program. "I smile when I think of it, because he was almost too good. Evan had studied all of the right materials. He knew the year that Wegmans was number one on the Fortune magazine list, and all of the years that they were in the top 10. It was like a commercial for Wegmans. I wish that we could have taped it."
Today, Evan is a largely independent worker. Bob Haslett, a Hilltop Job Coach, joins Evan about twice a month, and keeps in touch with his supervisors. But Evan routinely drives to-and-from work from his home in Nunda, and goes about his daily duties at Wegmans in exactly the same manner as his non-disabled peers.
"At first I was pretty nervous. I didn't know quite what to expect," Evan says. "Now, I think that I like the customers the best. At Hilltop, I got to interact with my co-workers; here, it's more customer-focused. Customers will ask me where a particular bottle goes, or what happens to their bottles after they put them in the machine. I like to help them."
What's next for this over achiever? "I'd like to venture off into different departments," Evan says, of his goals at Wegmans — and he's not afraid to do some heavy lifting to get there.
"Later this month, I'm taking a class at BOCES in Mount Morris to get my forklift certification," he says. "That opens up a lot more possibilities."
Friday, September 20, 2013
Harvest Fest 2013 is October 16 -- Get Your Tickets Today
Join us for Harvest Fest 2013, a one-of-a-kind
Wyoming County culinary extravaganza, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday,October
16 at the American Legion Hall in Warsaw Village Park. More than just a
food tasting event, Harvest Fest will connect local growers with area
chefs to create delicious dishes that celebrate Wyoming County "from
field to table."
For one low cost, attendees will be able to sample delicious dishes
prepared with the best locally grown, farm-fresh ingredients in a fun
and lively farm-market atmosphere that also includes live music,
children's games, pumpkin painting, a gun raffle, 50/50 raffle, and
more. All ticket sales will benefit The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming and
the Wyoming County Business Education Council.
"With Harvest Fest, local restaurants, farms, caterers, and other vendors will come together in celebration of the harvest, and share their unique products and talents with the community," says BEC Executive Director Linda Leblond. "The event will showcase the power and diversity of our local resources, and promote togetherness throughout Wyoming County."
Tickets are just $10 each or $25 for a family of four. Call Tina at (585) 658-2828 x133 or purchase online at http://www.lwarc.org/harvest_fest2012.htm !
For one low cost, attendees will be able to sample delicious dishes
prepared with the best locally grown, farm-fresh ingredients in a fun
and lively farm-market atmosphere that also includes live music,
children's games, pumpkin painting, a gun raffle, 50/50 raffle, and
more. All ticket sales will benefit The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming and
the Wyoming County Business Education Council."With Harvest Fest, local restaurants, farms, caterers, and other vendors will come together in celebration of the harvest, and share their unique products and talents with the community," says BEC Executive Director Linda Leblond. "The event will showcase the power and diversity of our local resources, and promote togetherness throughout Wyoming County."
Tickets are just $10 each or $25 for a family of four. Call Tina at (585) 658-2828 x133 or purchase online at http://www.lwarc.org/harvest_fest2012.htm !
Monday, August 12, 2013
Arc Earns Blue Ribbon at Pike Fair
The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming has earned a Commercial Exhibit blue ribbon Award of Excellence at the 2013 Wyoming County Fair in Pike, NY. Pictured with the prestigious award are Arc Board President Marcy VanZandt (left) and Immediate Past President Cheryl Englert. If you're in Pike, be sure to check us out at the Fair through Saturday, August 17th!
Friday, June 14, 2013
Local Artists Ready to "Rock" for KidStart, Livingston Arts August 15
With chairs as their canvases and everything from paint brushes to power tools as their instruments, more than 20 local artists are "Rockin' the Arts" to raise visibility and funds for two needed local not-for-profit agencies.
The artists' work will be front-and-center on Thursday, August 15 at the historic Sweet Briar estate in Geneseo for the first annual Rockin' the Arts gala to benefit Livingston Arts and KidStart, The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming's children's services program. As the evening's main attraction, their treasury of one-of-a-kind up-cycled and handmade chairs will be available to the highest bidders during the inaugural "Rockin' Art Chair Auction."
"I like being challenged with a specific theme for an artistic concept, and a chair also relates to my business," says Greg Johnson, of Johnson Family Restoration, one of the participating artists. "I know this is a way of showing the public some of what I do and of course the fundraiser is for a very good cause."
Greg's chair, which he has dubbed "Little Gold Windsor," fits the event by incorporating themes of art and childhood – with a playful twist on the latter.
"A child-size Windsor chair will be completely gilded with 23.5-karat gold leaf. The contradiction is a style of chair that has always been viewed as utilitarian – a seat for everybody, affordable to the masses – finished with the world's most precious metal, usually reserved only for royalty," he says, adding slyly, "Would you let your kid sit on it?"
Another distinctive contribution is an adjustable seat by James Link, of Carvings by Link, that recalls the classic winged logo of the rock band Aerosmith. The fine details of the feathers reveal themselves to be even more striking when you consider Link's medium; the piece was carved entirely by chainsaw.
Jeff Swift, a skilled metal craftsman and owner of Swift Custom Metal, also sees Rockin' the Arts as an appropriate venue to push the boundaries of his craft.
"For the auction, I wanted to build a prototype chair that was incredibly unique," he says. "The chair and matching light pendant I am submitting is one that I've been meaning to build for many years. It is technically, from a metal working standpoint, a very difficult piece to make. But I see this event as a nice opportunity to finally produce it and give it a chance at a home where it will be possibly a modern heirloom for someone to love and for a community that I'm grateful to be tethered to by many posts."
Others contributing one-of-a-kind chairs to the Rockin' the Arts gala and auction include Kathi Blaise, Patrice Case, Briana Coogan-Bassett, Cindy Costa, Derek Crocker, Rebecca Crocker, Roy Grisewood, Betsy Hoefen, Neena Johnson, Jim Jones, Lagom Landing, Kim Binaghi Lee, Mary Lee and Reggie Page, Maria Lombardo, Louise Michaud, James Myers, Cheri Natoli and Ken Richardson, Needles at Noon, Lauren Premo, Kala Stein, Sally Taylor, Julia Walker, and Matt Wurtenburg.
Proceeds from the auction and ticket sales for the event will be divided equally between Livingston Arts and KidStart. Livingston Arts enriches life in Livingston County by encouraging and promoting the arts and cultural activities. KidStart's special services, day care, and Head Start programs are unique because they serve children both with and without disabilities in an integrated setting.
Rockin' the Arts begins at 6:30pm with an auction preview, followed by hors d'oeuvres at 7:00pm. Bidding will commence at 8:00pm, and the auction will be followed by a concert by local favorites Flying Boxcar.
Attendance is limited, and tickets are on sale now for $35.00 each. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For details, visit facebook.com/RockintheArts or call Livingston Arts at (585) 243-6785.
 |
| James Link's chainsaw-carved chair will be one of more than 20 pieces at the Rockin' the Arts auction and gala. |
"I like being challenged with a specific theme for an artistic concept, and a chair also relates to my business," says Greg Johnson, of Johnson Family Restoration, one of the participating artists. "I know this is a way of showing the public some of what I do and of course the fundraiser is for a very good cause."
Greg's chair, which he has dubbed "Little Gold Windsor," fits the event by incorporating themes of art and childhood – with a playful twist on the latter.
"A child-size Windsor chair will be completely gilded with 23.5-karat gold leaf. The contradiction is a style of chair that has always been viewed as utilitarian – a seat for everybody, affordable to the masses – finished with the world's most precious metal, usually reserved only for royalty," he says, adding slyly, "Would you let your kid sit on it?"
Another distinctive contribution is an adjustable seat by James Link, of Carvings by Link, that recalls the classic winged logo of the rock band Aerosmith. The fine details of the feathers reveal themselves to be even more striking when you consider Link's medium; the piece was carved entirely by chainsaw.
Jeff Swift, a skilled metal craftsman and owner of Swift Custom Metal, also sees Rockin' the Arts as an appropriate venue to push the boundaries of his craft.
"For the auction, I wanted to build a prototype chair that was incredibly unique," he says. "The chair and matching light pendant I am submitting is one that I've been meaning to build for many years. It is technically, from a metal working standpoint, a very difficult piece to make. But I see this event as a nice opportunity to finally produce it and give it a chance at a home where it will be possibly a modern heirloom for someone to love and for a community that I'm grateful to be tethered to by many posts."
Others contributing one-of-a-kind chairs to the Rockin' the Arts gala and auction include Kathi Blaise, Patrice Case, Briana Coogan-Bassett, Cindy Costa, Derek Crocker, Rebecca Crocker, Roy Grisewood, Betsy Hoefen, Neena Johnson, Jim Jones, Lagom Landing, Kim Binaghi Lee, Mary Lee and Reggie Page, Maria Lombardo, Louise Michaud, James Myers, Cheri Natoli and Ken Richardson, Needles at Noon, Lauren Premo, Kala Stein, Sally Taylor, Julia Walker, and Matt Wurtenburg.
Proceeds from the auction and ticket sales for the event will be divided equally between Livingston Arts and KidStart. Livingston Arts enriches life in Livingston County by encouraging and promoting the arts and cultural activities. KidStart's special services, day care, and Head Start programs are unique because they serve children both with and without disabilities in an integrated setting.
Rockin' the Arts begins at 6:30pm with an auction preview, followed by hors d'oeuvres at 7:00pm. Bidding will commence at 8:00pm, and the auction will be followed by a concert by local favorites Flying Boxcar.
Attendance is limited, and tickets are on sale now for $35.00 each. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For details, visit facebook.com/RockintheArts or call Livingston Arts at (585) 243-6785.
Friday, May 17, 2013
The Hive is Alive!
After a year of silence, the buzz was back with a vengeance as The Arc-Hives (John Prospero, "Queen Bee" Katie Tobin, and Team Captain Cameron Gayford) delivered a honey of a performance at the Catholic Charities Spelling Bee. The trio made it past "electoral," "mozzarella," "conjecture," "precocious," and "meticulous" before being tripped up by "triumvirate," a word that means a regime dominated by three powerful individuals. Our own triumvirate vows to sting the competition again at next year's Bee!
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Chart Topper: Hilltop's Ken James overcomes challenges to become top performer
Ken James keeps a copy of Billboard magazine with him as he works alongside peers putting together instruction materials for Crossman air guns at Hilltop Industries' work center in Mount Morris, NY.
Hilltop Habilitation Coordinator Ellen Friedler, who has known Ken for more than a quarter century, describes the music magazine as "Ken's bible." Ken has superb recall of the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Since its inception in 1958, the Hot 100 has had more than 1,000 different number-one hits; Ken can identify most every song and artist, often with its record label and the date that the single hit the charts.
While Ken is mainly quiet and introverted, he is cordial and engaged as he imparts his knowledge when asked. Today, Ken discusses "Groove is in the Heart," a song by the dance band "Deee-Lite" that hit number 4 in 1990. It's a commonplace workplace conversation -- but one that Ellen could only dream of 25 years ago.
"As a worker, he has always been amazing," Ellen recalls, of her early interactions with Ken. "But he would suffer from rigid, violent behaviors. The most injured that I ever was at work was by Ken. He struck me on the back of my neck with his fists."
Ken, who is now 48 years old, is a tall, solidly built man with a dual diagnosis of autism and an intellectual disability. For more than half of his life, he has worked at Hilltop Industries, a program of The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming that provides gainful employment to people with disabilities. As is typical for many individuals with an autism diagnosis, Ken has struggled with behavioral issues triggered by environmental stimuli such as noises or confusion regarding his routine.
When Ellen met Ken in the late 1980s, he was unable to work alongside his peers for concern of violent outbursts. He also suffered from tardive dyskinesia, a difficult-to-treat condition caused by taking certain medications over time that results in a severely slouched posture and involuntary, repetitive body movements. She became part of a team with a long-term goal to help Ken address his various challenges.
"We were all committed, but we were holding our breath," she says. "It wasn't like we waved a magic wand and -- 'poof'-- everything was fine. It was a slow process."
Ken's circle of support included staff members from work and at home. In 1988, he had moved from a large institution at Craig Colony into his first community placement, the Walnut IRA (Individualized Residential Alternative), a New York State-operated home in Nunda. IRA staff joined forces with Case Manager Judy Welch, other Hilltop staff, and Ken's transportation providers to establish consistent guidelines regarding hitting and touching, and maintain a log book with Ken's behaviors.
Ken's staff developed a thorough rules/rewards system, which was the accepted method at the time. The rules were communicated verbally, through illustrations, and printed word, as Ken is a better-than-average reader.
As his behavioral issues were being addressed, so were his health concerns. Adjustments to his medication regimen eventually counteracted the effects of his tardive dyskinesia.
"Ken's success during that time was truly a result of teamwork," Ellen says.
In 1997, Ellen left her job at Hilltop Industries to raise her daughter. In 2007, she returned to the agency, and to an emotional reunion with Ken.
"I almost cried," Ellen says. "You could shake his hand, touch him on the shoulder, and talk to him off topic. Ken has always been well liked, and now everyone who knows him can interact with him more."
Joey Bonavita has worked with Ken for almost two decades, and is currently Ken's Case Manager. He shares Ken's passion for music; Joey is a musician whose projects include The Hogs and The Mental Detectors.
"Sometimes he'll put on a song for me," Joey says. Ken is known for wearing headphones as he works. He often listens to Prince, Mariah Carey, Luther Vandross, and other favorites stored on his iPod. Other times, he chooses the radio interface; although reception is poor at the work center, it doesn't bother Ken.
"There are times when Ken is just listening to static, but it has a soothing effect as he works," Joey says. "And his hearing is incredible. Even with the headphones on, he hears everything that goes on around him."
While the soundtrack to his day might be considered unconventional, it provides a template for success. Ken is among Hilltop's most productive employees. He works at a steady, rapid pace five days a week, from 8:30am until 3:30pm, stopping only for a half-hour lunch and two 15 minute breaks. Because he is paid by the piece, this allows Ken to earn "a very good paycheck," according to Joey.
"Literally, it's like he's half man, half machine when he's working," he explains. "He will put together up to 2,000 pieces in a day, which is double the productivity of most people." He adds that Ken is self-motivated, and that staff no longer uses a rewards system. Ken occasionally treats himself to an oatmeal cream pie from the snack machine, or to his favorite lunch: a chicken sandwich, potato chips, and apple juice.
And the violent outbursts have come to an end.
"I think Ken is a prime example of a person who has benefited tremendously from a work center," Hilltop Director Kellie Kennedy says. "Ken has been given the opportunity to use his skills to be very productive in his work while learning how to self manage his behavior over the course of many years. The work center allows Ken to be himself in an environment that is comfortable to him, and to work to his potential."
Having already met so many of life's challenges, Ken's current goals include managing his own money when making purchases in the community. He has the math skills to do it. According to Joey, Ken can complete complicated problems in his head, including multiplication of three- and four-digit numbers.
Discovering, nurturing, and bringing to light Ken's talents has been "a gift," according to Ellen. And Ken's prospects for the future could only be described as "Deee-liteful."
"He'll look at you sometimes, and it's like a compliment that he's taking you in," Ellen says. "He looks like a giant teddy bear, and now he is one."
Hilltop Habilitation Coordinator Ellen Friedler, who has known Ken for more than a quarter century, describes the music magazine as "Ken's bible." Ken has superb recall of the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Since its inception in 1958, the Hot 100 has had more than 1,000 different number-one hits; Ken can identify most every song and artist, often with its record label and the date that the single hit the charts. While Ken is mainly quiet and introverted, he is cordial and engaged as he imparts his knowledge when asked. Today, Ken discusses "Groove is in the Heart," a song by the dance band "Deee-Lite" that hit number 4 in 1990. It's a commonplace workplace conversation -- but one that Ellen could only dream of 25 years ago.
"As a worker, he has always been amazing," Ellen recalls, of her early interactions with Ken. "But he would suffer from rigid, violent behaviors. The most injured that I ever was at work was by Ken. He struck me on the back of my neck with his fists."
Ken, who is now 48 years old, is a tall, solidly built man with a dual diagnosis of autism and an intellectual disability. For more than half of his life, he has worked at Hilltop Industries, a program of The Arc of Livingston-Wyoming that provides gainful employment to people with disabilities. As is typical for many individuals with an autism diagnosis, Ken has struggled with behavioral issues triggered by environmental stimuli such as noises or confusion regarding his routine.
When Ellen met Ken in the late 1980s, he was unable to work alongside his peers for concern of violent outbursts. He also suffered from tardive dyskinesia, a difficult-to-treat condition caused by taking certain medications over time that results in a severely slouched posture and involuntary, repetitive body movements. She became part of a team with a long-term goal to help Ken address his various challenges.
"We were all committed, but we were holding our breath," she says. "It wasn't like we waved a magic wand and -- 'poof'-- everything was fine. It was a slow process."
Ken's circle of support included staff members from work and at home. In 1988, he had moved from a large institution at Craig Colony into his first community placement, the Walnut IRA (Individualized Residential Alternative), a New York State-operated home in Nunda. IRA staff joined forces with Case Manager Judy Welch, other Hilltop staff, and Ken's transportation providers to establish consistent guidelines regarding hitting and touching, and maintain a log book with Ken's behaviors.
Ken's staff developed a thorough rules/rewards system, which was the accepted method at the time. The rules were communicated verbally, through illustrations, and printed word, as Ken is a better-than-average reader.
As his behavioral issues were being addressed, so were his health concerns. Adjustments to his medication regimen eventually counteracted the effects of his tardive dyskinesia.
"Ken's success during that time was truly a result of teamwork," Ellen says.
In 1997, Ellen left her job at Hilltop Industries to raise her daughter. In 2007, she returned to the agency, and to an emotional reunion with Ken.
"I almost cried," Ellen says. "You could shake his hand, touch him on the shoulder, and talk to him off topic. Ken has always been well liked, and now everyone who knows him can interact with him more."
Joey Bonavita has worked with Ken for almost two decades, and is currently Ken's Case Manager. He shares Ken's passion for music; Joey is a musician whose projects include The Hogs and The Mental Detectors.
"Sometimes he'll put on a song for me," Joey says. Ken is known for wearing headphones as he works. He often listens to Prince, Mariah Carey, Luther Vandross, and other favorites stored on his iPod. Other times, he chooses the radio interface; although reception is poor at the work center, it doesn't bother Ken.
"There are times when Ken is just listening to static, but it has a soothing effect as he works," Joey says. "And his hearing is incredible. Even with the headphones on, he hears everything that goes on around him."
While the soundtrack to his day might be considered unconventional, it provides a template for success. Ken is among Hilltop's most productive employees. He works at a steady, rapid pace five days a week, from 8:30am until 3:30pm, stopping only for a half-hour lunch and two 15 minute breaks. Because he is paid by the piece, this allows Ken to earn "a very good paycheck," according to Joey.
"Literally, it's like he's half man, half machine when he's working," he explains. "He will put together up to 2,000 pieces in a day, which is double the productivity of most people." He adds that Ken is self-motivated, and that staff no longer uses a rewards system. Ken occasionally treats himself to an oatmeal cream pie from the snack machine, or to his favorite lunch: a chicken sandwich, potato chips, and apple juice.
And the violent outbursts have come to an end.
"I think Ken is a prime example of a person who has benefited tremendously from a work center," Hilltop Director Kellie Kennedy says. "Ken has been given the opportunity to use his skills to be very productive in his work while learning how to self manage his behavior over the course of many years. The work center allows Ken to be himself in an environment that is comfortable to him, and to work to his potential."
Having already met so many of life's challenges, Ken's current goals include managing his own money when making purchases in the community. He has the math skills to do it. According to Joey, Ken can complete complicated problems in his head, including multiplication of three- and four-digit numbers.
Discovering, nurturing, and bringing to light Ken's talents has been "a gift," according to Ellen. And Ken's prospects for the future could only be described as "Deee-liteful."
"He'll look at you sometimes, and it's like a compliment that he's taking you in," Ellen says. "He looks like a giant teddy bear, and now he is one."
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