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Wuthrich Achieves Her Long-Term Employment Goal

By Christine Call

APOPKA— Finding and maintaining long-term employment is a goal for many of us. We want a job we can call our own.  According to an article in Forbes magazine, the average worker stays at a job for 4.4 years. That is why Susan Wuthrich’s story is remarkable. Wuthrich, who has a disability, has been employed with Stein Mart of Altamonte Springs as a custodian for almost 14 years.

Wuthrich cleans, sweeps, and mops floors, picks up clothes, and assists wherever needed. “I like working at Stein Mart. I like my coworkers, boss, and customers.  Everyone is very nice to me,” she said.

Mike Benton, Operations Lead and Wuthrich’s supervisor, praised her for her attitude and being a good worker. He said, “She is punctual, social, and most of all a hard worker.  She gets along very well with everyone.”

Having this job has helped Wuthrich obtain other personal outcomes, such as having her own apartment and helping in her community. George Andrew is her support coordinator. Andrew knew Wuthrich wanted long-term employment and referred her to Quest Inc. Supported Employment where she was helped finding a job that matched her skill set.  He is extremely proud of Wuthrich’s successes.  Andrew said, “She is considerate and kind, and consistently works hard to reach her goals. She’s very aware of others and steps up to help as evidenced by her community volunteer work.”

Wuthrich gives back to her community using the time off work to volunteer via Alliance Supports agency. She enjoys volunteering at three local nonprofits. On Tuesdays, she volunteers for Clean the World, Wednesday she volunteers at the Community Food and Resource Center of Orlando, and every other Thursday she volunteers at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. She eagerly assists fellow volunteers with disabilities that need occasional help.

Andrew highlighted that Wuthrich has a complete support network, ranging from her immediate family, her employer, her boyfriend and friends, to her volunteer groups and community supports.  “We are all very proud of her.” 

When Wuthrich has free time she enjoys having fun.  She said, “I like hanging out and playing games, listening to music, and going to the Neon Club dance on Friday nights. They have good hamburgers and other food.” She also likes going out to eat and to church with her boyfriend.

Wuthrich is proof that long-term employment is possible and it can help make your dreams come true.

APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn and work in their communities. The agency annually serves more than 50,000 Floridians with autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, intellectual disabilities, Down syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll free 1-866-APD-CARES (1-866-273-2273).