People Inc. Employment Specialist Amy Allen loves to see people happy and successful. She plays an important role in helping people with disabilities focus on what they are interested in, assess what skills they already have and learn how to build on what they are passionate about to find a position.

When Amy met Brenda Morgan, Brenda was looking for a new opportunity to use her housekeeping experience at a business near her home. Amy reached out to Ken Kirisits, the general manager at the Courtyard by Marriott in Niagara Falls to explore a placement for Brenda. Ken was receptive to learning about how the Supported Employment Program works, like the idea of “giving back” and became a partner business. Some of the skills that Amy has helped Brenda work on include navigating transportation and communicating with coworkers.

Having been there only a short time, Brenda has become a valuable member of the team. Ken remarked that, “Brenda is like any other employee. Sometimes she just needs a little extra training, but she accepts every new task and responsibility eagerly, is respected by the hotel staff, takes pride in her work and is a joy to be around.”

Brenda shared, “It is very important that guests have a clean and happy stay here and I like being a part of that. I have a great trainer, Angel Lopez, and a great boss in Ken, who help me to work at my own pace. I had so much fun meeting all of the staff at the hotel during the recent employee appreciation week.”

Ken offers this advice to other businesses thinking about getting involved with the various Vocational Services offered through People Inc., “Take a chance, these workers are ready and willing to work, always on time and it is easy to work with People Inc. The employment specialist offers assistance, insights and bridges the communication between employer and staff – which is so helpful, especially in the beginning.

If you manage a business, consider the many benefits of bringing a person with disabilities onto your team. People Inc. has a number of services that can connect your company with qualified employees and provide ongoing support. To learn more, contact James Scutt at businesssolutions@people-inc.org or call 716.817.5750.

People Inc., a multispecialty non-profit health and human services agency, provides programs and services to more than 12,000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and older adults throughout Western New York and the Greater Rochester region. Since 1970, People Inc. has assisted people to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity. With nearly 4,000 employees, People Inc. is one of the region’s largest employers. To learn more, visit people-inc.org, follow People Inc. on Facebook or Twitter @PeopleIncNews.