Eric
By Jamie Widhalm, Employment Specialist
Career Development Associates - Easter Seals
Eric grew up and attended school in Choteau, Montana. However, once he finished school there was nothing for him to do. Eric wanted and needed a job not only for financial reasons, but also for a feeling of self-worth. Many people had told him that he was not employable or that they would not employ him. Although people in the community did not treat him with much respect, Eric always remained positive and did not let what anyone said bother him.
During school and after, Eric never qualified for developmental disabilities services so in many cases he fell through the cracks, not always getting the services that he truly needed, such as case management, Social Security benefits, Medicaid, or a service provider to name a few. He did qualify for vocational rehabilitation services and that is how I got involved.
When I started working with Eric, we tried a couple different type jobs. In both, Eric got the short end of the deal. Either there was an employee who did not like him (even if he was doing a good job) or someone did not like his talking. An interesting point about life in rural Montana—everyone knows all about everyone else. I ran into this with Eric several times. As I was job developing and inquiring with an employer they automatically asked me if I was talking about Eric. Sad to say that when I responded, "Yes," I did not always get favorable responses.
Finally, we did find an employer who gave Eric a chance and who works with him positively when he does talk too much or interrupts when they are talking with a customer. They are helping to teach him responsibility and that there are consequences for his actions. My hat goes off to this employer for taking such an interest in Eric and helping him be the best he can be.
We found Eric's current employer after Eric had just been fired from a job. Upon finding out that Eric was going to be let go, I went to Choteau. I had just missed Eric at the employer, but I found him at the Choteau Seafood and Steak House. While visiting with him, the owner came up to me and mentioned that they would be needing some help later. (They knew what had happened and Eric's situation) Eric did end up working for them on a very limited basis until their permanent help got fired. Eric then filled the permanent position.
He has worked at the Choteau Seafood and Steak House for approximately nine months. He has an assortment of responsibilities he does with pride. Eric assists with some food prep, cleans the grills, washes the dishes, busses and sets tables, does most of the cleaning, and runs various errands for the owners.
Because the owners have helped Eric out in so many ways, he now believes that he could leave Choteau and get a job some place else. We are proud of his accomplishments that nobody else thought to be possible!