Patience Pays

By Christine Call

Houston Lee set a goal for himself to get a job. He endured months of job hunting remaining patient and holding out for the right job that fit his abilities and needs and had the right environment to provide the best opportunity for his success. He was hired by Global Connections to Employment (GCE) as a food service worker at the Naval Air Station base in Pensacola. Lee started his job in July 2015 making above minimum wage, and he receives health insurance.

Lee works every day in the afternoon. He said, “I like to do mopping, sweeping, washing dishes, and everything else. I like working very well, and my coworkers are very nice and helpful. I feel part of the team.” Lee successfully received his food handler certification, which makes him proud.

Lee has a developmental disability and receives assistance from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) through the Employment Enhancement Project (EEP). The EEP helps students transition from high school to work by providing a supported employment coach, transportation assistance, and job training. This program benefits employers and employees. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and APD is highlighting the workplace achievements of people with disabilities.

Paul Markum is Lee’s supervisor and said, “He’s a good employee. Very reliable, energetic, and always in a good mood. I have never had a negative comment or complaint about him. I wish all employees were like Lee. Life would be a lot easier.” Lee likes his boss too and said, “My boss is a nice person. He likes to get the job done. He’s a very good boss.”

Brian Johnson is Lee’s job coach. Johnson assisted Lee with creating a resume and completing the application, and position assessment. Johnson said, “Houston is very willing and open to assistance. He’s the kind of individual who makes the day better. Great attitude, phenomenal attitude, and makes it such a joy to work with him.”

Johnson helped Lee complete the Homeland Security paperwork, and he provides on-going support two to three times a week. “Houston and I work together, and I’m at the job site with him. They love him, and he loves them.”

APD Employment Liaison Katrina Washington raves about Lee. Washington said, “He’s extremely outgoing and approachable. He focuses on what he can do and sets goals to be successful.” Washington added that transportation was an issue for Lee, and now Johnson helps him with scheduling his door-to-door rides.

When Lee is not working, he likes hanging out with his friends, playing video games, helping prepare meals, and shopping.

Lee works every day in the afternoon. He said, “I like to do mopping, sweeping, washing dishes, and everything else. I like working very well and my coworkers are very nice and helpful. I feel part of the team.”