October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)

To celebrate NDEAM, we would like to feature a very special business partner, as well as a hard-working employee of that business, Manny.

The League Education and Treatment Center (LETC) would like to recognize Craft & Vallata Restaurant as our featured business partner!

Emmanuel Irick at Craft & Vallata restaurant

Right from the start, the Craft & Vallata teams have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to inclusive hiring practices. They have welcomed Manny as well as other recruits from LETC with open arms and have treated them as part of their family. We could not be happier with this partnership and look forward to our continued work ahead. Not to mention, the food and hospitality at these restaurants are second to none!

Manny started attending LETC’s Prevocational program in Feb of 2008. Throughout his years, Manny has demonstrated an eagerness to learn and achieve. His attendance has always been perfect and he’s worked hard to meet his goal of joining the workforce. 

According to Linton Thompson, DSP Voc Specialist, “over the years, I've seen Emmanuel progress from timid to confident in expressing his wants and needs. He works hard every day to gain relevant knowledge and learn skills that will help him succeed at work and in life.”

In April 2022, Manny’s goal became a reality when he was hired at Craft & Vallata Restaurant in the position of Polisher. 

According to John Gargano, General Manager of Craft & Vallata, he is satisfied with what Manny brings to the job. “Manny has brought humility to an environment that is fast-paced, often impersonal, and sometimes hectic. He always has a great attitude and chooses to be positive.” 

View fullsize

John Gargano, General Manager, Cesar Caicedo, and Emmanuel Irick

When asked how he would describe Manny in 3 words, John said “Reliable, Appreciative, Humble.” Natalie Grindstaff, Director of Restaurants, adds that “he also has a great sense of humor.” When asked what he enjoys most about his job, Manny says it’s “working with my team.” Add team-player to the list of positive attributes that have made Manny so successful!

John also believes that Manny will continue to progress, saying that “we plan to move Manny into a position that works closely with our Culinary Team...” 

We congratulate Manny as well as the Craft & Vallata teams for their outstanding work.

Employee Spotlight: Lynette Adjei

Lynette was referred to our Supportive Employment program from ACCES-VR in November of 2020. 

Right from the start she worked hard, was always on time, and had perfect attendance. Lynette completed her first Internship at Church Avenue under the direction of Administration Professional, Ann Fullerton.

At first, Lynette’s goal was to work a clerical job in an office. Under the direction of her new job coach, Danielle Moore, Lynette was turned on to a new career possibility: working with children. Danielle set up a short-term internship at a neighborhood daycare that partners with LETC called Beginning Steps. Through this experience, Lynette realized that she loved working with children, and it was also this experience that caught the eye of Roberta Thomas, Educational Supervisor, when she saw Lynette's resume. In April 2022, Danielle assisted Lynette in completing the onboarding process and Lynette joined the JFTN team. 

Danielle had many great things to say about Lynette:

“When I started working with Lynette about a year ago, I noticed right away that she was a goal-oriented and focused individual. When Lynette was hired at JFTN, I knew that she would gain valuable experience through her position at the school, but her progress has far exceeded any expectations that I initially had. There was a noticeable change in Lynette’s demeanor when she began her position as a substitute Teacher’s Aide. From the very first week she just seemed to shine a bit brighter, it was evident that she was excited to be realizing her goals. Lynette has become more open to accepting advice and guidance. This is a shift that, I think, stems from the incredibly supportive staff at JFTN making her feel like part of the team. As her comfort level increases, so does her ability to ask questions, adapt to changes, provide her own feedback and advocate for herself. She has taught me so much about patience and perseverance and also to retain a sense of humor no matter what the day brings.”

 Thanks to the remarkable support she receives at JFTN, Lynette has excelled in her position and settled in well. Lynette herself states, "it has been remarkable working with the children, every classroom is different. I have learned to ask questions when needed and to communicate with my co-workers, I am proud of myself because I have come a long way." According to Vaughn Mounsey, Educational Coordinator “Lynette has made tremendous progress, I am excited to see her spread her wings in her 2nd school year. Lynette is now trained in 6 different rooms, each with its own set of students and unique needs. She has learned how to embrace change in way that was difficult in the beginning. I really admire Lynette’s work ethic she always comes in with a smile and is sure to do daily check-ins, I look forward to seeing Lynette grow in her professional career."

Business spotlight: Burlington Stores

Dear Burlington partners, 

On behalf of the League Education and Treatment Center, we’d like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for our continued partnership. We are thrilled with your generous donation of 40 gift cards that will be given to our clients for the holidays. Thank you so much!

Burlington Stores has been such a valuable partner in supporting our mission, which is to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and economically disadvantaged youth to train for and obtain jobs. 

It’s such a pleasure working with your Store Managers, particularly Ms. Anna Olszowa. Ms. Olszowa promotes a friendly and supportive environment for our workers, making them feel accepted and valued. We see that your staff make efforts to create pathways for professional growth and opportunities to explore challenging tasks.  At Burlington, our clients are ONE with the team. For that, we are extremely grateful.

Wishing you and your families and safe and happy holidays!