Search
Resources
Give
Menu
By Darian Brenner PR/Communications Intern
Moving into a new home for the first time can be both exciting and stressful.
For ST, one of the first individuals to live in a Vista house, moving into a home of his own was a time of discovery. Soon after the move, ST demonstrated a talent that staff didn’t know he had.
Lindsay Galbraith, residential supports manager, was busy setting up a TV stand when she realized ST was looking over her shoulder to see what she was doing. She encouraged ST to help her with the project, since he seemed really interested and curious about it. ST was able to successfully assemble the TV stand with only a little bit of help.
“He was able to build something on his own and he just took off!” Galbraith said.
Vista’s employment staff takes into account these special abilities when they help adult customers to find jobs that are right for them.
“We try to tailor to their likes, dislikes, and what kind of environment they feel is best for them, but we also look at their skill sets,” Galbraith stated.
In ST’s case, the staff knew he was able to sort and organize certain items, such as his penny collection. They observed that he was sorting his collection by the year that the pennies were made. However, they didn’t realize ST also had a gift for assembling furniture.
“People who thought they knew him are learning new things [about him],” said Jennifer Leidy, director of residential services.
Currently, ST is working as a linen attendant at the Hilton Hotel in Harrisburg.
“It just goes to show, if you put them in the right environment, they will be successful,” Galbraith said.
Previous post
Next post