The Philadelphia “Employment 1st, Employment NOW!” Steering Committee is once again celebrating this event with a month of employment success stories. Each day we will be posting another success story about someone who is contributing to their community through employment. For those who have requested to receive our employment announcements, you will receive the link to the story in your mailbox. We invite you to join us as we celebrate the successes of people with disabilities working in our communities!

Chop it Like It’s Hot (Salsa)!

October 16 – Lexi V.

Lexi takes great pride in her job at On the Border at Neshaminy Mall.  As a Food Prep Assistant, she spends her days preparing fresh ingredients for the droves of hungry shoppers that visit the busy restaurant. Her tasks include prepping and portioning vegetables, as well cooking chips and tortillas in the deep fryer. But her favorite task is preparing the impressive quantity of salsa that will be devoured by patrons throughout the week. Lexi lights up as she tells us “the best part is the taste test!”

With a passion for food and all things culinary, Lexi is a valued team member with great natural supports at work. She is always willing to learn a new task or step up to help coworkers during the kitchen’s hectic lunch rush. And she always does it with a positive attitude.

She’s been at it for just over a year and has achieved independence at her job. She quickly mastered all of her tasks, and now only receives a monthly check in from her job coach, who receives nothing but positive reports from supervisors and coworkers.

Shortly after this photo was taken, Lexi told us “I love what I do and the people I work with. Plus, you get free food!”

 

~Submitted by Community Integrated Services (CIS)