Alex Bakes Her Way To Employment

By -
Alex Bakes Her Way To Employment


Alex was referred to the Choice Group by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services in April 2016, and was paired with a Vocational Counselor. Alex had earned a diploma in 2016 from Ocean Lakes High School and participated in a Work Experience Program at the Oceana Commissary Bakery in Virginia Beach. She received assistance in applying for a paid position at the Commissary, and was hired as a Bakery Associate. Alex learned the position with help from her Vocational Counselor, and has worked part time for nearly three years, packaging portions of baked goods in support of the bakery.
Alex’s supervisor said that Alex does a good job, follows the rules regarding safety and proper procedures, and enjoys talking with her coworkers while she works. She receives high marks on evaluations from her supervisors, and her smile brightens the mood of all around her.
Alex has benefited from her supportive parents, helpful staff and management at the Oceana Commissary, and at 24 years old is moving toward independence. She has a second job as a helper in a local restaurant, which she enjoys as well.
Alex enjoys going to dances, visiting with family and friends, and is involved in many sports activities.  She participates in TOPS soccer two times a year and also does buddy basketball in the winter. She is also a member of an adult Capernaum young life group that meets once a week and a local ministry church group that also meets one day a week.  She works out, as well, with a personal trainer at home two days a week. We congratulate Alex on her accomplishments and her commitment to her work, social and personal activities!

Location: Richmond, VA, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts!

Kristin Is Keen On Her New Job

By Anonymous -
Image
Kristin and Nancy began working together in June of 2018. Together they then found her a job at a local Pizza Hut in September of that year. Kristin was interested in customer service, food service or animal care so finding the position at Pizza Hut was a great fit. There are limited employers in her area so they looked at the few employers that were in her area and also branched out to Smithfield. Smithfield is the closest town with employers and that is where she found the job.  Kristin is very friendly and easy going so it is easy for her to get along with everyone. Kristin is highly motivated to learn new things, which has paid off in her job as a crew member. She was hired as a Customer Service Representative, but now also serves customers and runs the register.  Upon trying to place her in a job in her area, Nancy and Kristin faced a couple of other obstacles. Kristin relies on her mom to transport her at this time and has had a very limited work history. In the past, Kr
Read more

2 billion people will need this tech by 2050: Injured vet shares the good and bad

By -
Image
Phil Swinford's house is full of tech that helps him live more independently, but he's betting it's also going to help him to walk again. (Phil Swinford plays music on his phone.Megan Wollerton/CNET) " OK Google , text Pamela ICE [in case of emergency]," says retired US Army Col. Phil Swinford from his home in the Virginia suburbs, roughly an hour's drive from Washington, DC. He's using Google Assistant on his Android phone to talk to his wife, Pam, who's working today at her consignment shop, the Copper Cricket, a few miles away. I'm listening in, which feels a little too invasive, but it's OK: This text is just for demo purposes. "Sure," Google's AI responds. "What's the message?" "Hey, babe. I love you," Phil says clearly and deliberately into his phone. "I got, 'Hey, babe. I love you,'" it speaks back to him. "Do you wanna send it or change it?" "Send i
Read more

Excelling Through Project SEARCH

By -
Image
At The Choice Group, we are dedicated to fostering the talents of individuals through tailored employment programs. Vincent Murray from our Hampton Roads team shares the remarkable work of Xavion Simon, who has thrived through Project SEARCH and Supported Employment. Xavion began as an intern with Project SEARCH in April 2023. His exceptional performance during the internship led to a job offer from Sentara's Environmental Service Department. Since starting in this position, Xavion has demonstrated incredible dedication in his role. Xavion's attention to detail, effective communication, teamwork, and time management skills have made him highly proficient in his duties. These strengths have enabled him to excel in tasks such as cleaning, mopping, and sanitizing various hospital areas, including bathrooms, windows, walls, and furniture. His thoroughness and reliability have made him a valued team member. One of the initial challenges Xavion faced was his reaction to constructive
Read more

Mark Makes His Mark

By -
Image
Mark Stockton is employed as a Garden Helper at Windmill Heights Garden Center located in Culpeper, VA where he has been working for about 9 months during the seasonal months. Mark and his Vocational Counselor have been working together, through The Choice Group, for a little over a year now. Mark began support by trying out different job positions through services called Situational Assessments. Through the assessments, it was determined that he enjoyed working outside with his hands as he has previous experience as a farm hand. Mark received supports through DARS and the WiOA program that allowed him to pursue his interests of horticulture/lawn care through the WiOA internship. After Mark had completed an internship with WiOA, Windmill Heights Garden Center brought Mark back for part-time support completing lawn care and gardening tasks. Mark enjoys completing routine tasks and being outside in the cooler weather working, and also has a very direct and friendly style of commun
Read more