LifeSkills honors success in the workplace

Disabled employees earn praise

Tuesday, April 13, 2004

Janey Cochran was given only five minutes to prepare a speech about one of her employees, but it wasnt hard to find something to say. Hes become part of our family, she said. Hes just a positive reflection of us. Cochran, general manager of Shoneys restaurant, wasnt giving a speech about just any employee. James Watson, a dishwasher at Shoneys, has worked, in spite of his mental disability, to become a valued employee. Watson was one of eight mentally disabled graduates honored Monday night at the LifeSkills Supported Employment Graduation. Each graduate has gotten and held a job with the help of LifeSkills, and now have reached a point where they can retain a job on their own. Cochran was asked to speak after the scheduled speaker could not attend due to a death in the family. She said Watson, who has been with Shoneys since 2000, has been a valuable addition to her staff. Hes always dependable, and here before hes scheduled to go to work, she said. Hes always willing to learn more. Hes done a little bit of everything helped paint, worked on the buffet, and he wants to learn to cook. Mondays ceremony was also held to honor the employers who have hired people through LifeSkills, an organization dedicated to helping people with IQs of under 70 obtain and maintain jobs. We recognized employers who go out of their way to support people at job sites, said Jan Eblen, manager of employment services at LifeSkills. Were really proud of them, too. People often underestimate people with disabilities, so their efforts are outstanding. The ceremony consisted of several speakers, including graduate Regina Rich, who works at La Petite Academy day care. She spoke about how much she loved her job, and how the program has helped her. She did a great job, Eblen said. She was cute. Ronald Hayes, who has worked at Winn-Dixie for almost nine years, was among Mondays graduates. He said he loves his job and had a good time at the ceremony. They helped me get this job, Hayes said. And helped me carry it out. Tim Forshee, Hayes employer, said he is a wonderful part of the staff. Oh, hes a great employee, Forshee said. Hes very dependable as far as showing up on time every day. The customers love him. Forshee said he would definitely use LifeSkills to obtain employees again. I think Ronalds really enjoyed working here all these years, he said. LifeSkills employment program started in Bowling Green in the early 1990s. While this is the first graduation of its kind, Eblen said she hopes to have more. I think it went wonderfully, she said. And the families shared in the success of knowing that their son or daughter pays taxes and is self-sufficient. Its wonderful to celebrate their independence. Cochran echoed Eblens sentiments, saying she was touched by the program. After listening to others, it really made me appreciate how hard they had worked and the success in the jobs theyd accomplished, she said. People should go see what theyve accomplished. It was a great meeting Im really glad I was invited to go. Daily News ·813 College St. ·PO Box 90012 ·Bowling Green, KY ·42102 ·270-781-1700