Attention to Detail

By Rebecca Grissom

Klaressa Williams, 23, describes herself as a shy girl.  She enjoyed school, and graduated from East Gadsden High in 2011.  She spends her free time cooking, cleaning, and working on her computer, but that doesn’t mean she is happy doing just that.  Her mom, Bonnie Williams, says her daughter can be quiet and keep to herself.  She wasn’t interacting with people on a daily basis until when she started working as a Dining Room Attendant at a Tallahassee Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) this year.  “Klaressa is more sociable and happy in the moment with her new job,” says Mrs. Williams.

Klaressa Williams receives services from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). Hank Martin is the KFC General Manager at the store located at 4650 West Tennessee Street.   Martin said, “Klaressa interviewed great, and was hired.  She keeps it sparkling clean and greets all the guests when they walk through the front door.”  Martin also noted, “Klaressa is very attentive to detail, is always on time, and does a great job every day.”  Not only has this changed Williams’ life, but KFC has also benefited from having her in the dining room.  She takes great pride in keeping the restaurant clean.  Customers have noticed and like the changes they have seen since Williams’ arrival.

The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) has a program designed to help its constituents with disabilities find employment.  The Employment Enhancement Project (EEP) is funded by the Florida Legislature.  It helps students transition from high school to work by providing a Supported Employment Coach, transportation assistance, and anything needed to help in the job training process.  This program is beneficial to both employers and the new employees alike.  APD’s job coaches seek out businesses in need of an extra smiling face who is willing to work hard with a great attitude, while a lucky young person, like Williams, gains a new way to attain job skills.  Job coach Willie Miller is ecstatic with Williams’ success.  Miller says, “I have worked with Klaressa and feel this has changed her life completely.”

Klaressa Williams works at the Kentucky Fried Chicken in Tallahassee.