Dade County Man Works and Volunteers
Mark Ahkin is a busy man, and he loves it. The Dade County Man has
worked at a Publix supermarket in Kendall for 12 years. In his spare time, he
volunteers for several charity drives in his community.
Ahkin, who has a developmental disability, receives services such a supported
employment from Best Buddies Florida, a provider based in Orlando with several
offices throughout the state---including Miami. The services are paid for by
Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). During October, which is
National Disability Employment Awareness Month, APD is highlighting the stories
of Floridians like Ahkin who are leading active, productive lives in their
communities.
No one exemplifies eagerness to work and the motivation to succeed more than
Ahkin. He has worked as a bagger at the Kendall Publix since 1996. Ahkin had
lost his previous job when Hurricane Andrew damaged the store where he was
working. He was unemployed for almost two years until Best Buddies Florida
helped him obtain his current position. Now, 12 years later, Publix is truly
his home away from home.
"I love my job!" exclaimed Ahkin. "I love bagging groceries, and I love the
fact that I know almost everyone that walks in the door."
The store is known for having a friendly atmosphere. The general manager,
Roger Campbell, personally greets almost everyone that comes in. Campbell and
Ahkin have worked together for more than nine years.
"Mark is an outstanding individual and a good person," said Campbell. "He is
fun to be around. I am glad to have him working here and I am glad to call him
a friend. Mark gives exceptional customer service, and if I had five more
employees like him, I would be on easy street!"
In addition to being an excellent employee, Ahkin finds time to give back to
the community. He volunteers at the St. Louis Catholic Church, delivering food
to the homeless. Once a month, he picks up enough expired bakery goods from
his store to fill two shopping carts and brings them to the church for its food
drive to benefit Miami Rescue Mission.
During the local March of Dimes walk, Ahkin helps at a Publix-sponsored booth,
where he and Campbell hand out water to the thirsty walkers. And during the
holidays, Ahkin and other Publix associates collect and deliver Thanksgiving
dinner baskets to needy families in the area of Claude Pepper Elementary school
in Kendall.
APD supports people with developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in their communities. For more information about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit www.apdcares.org or call toll-free 1- 866-APD-CARES (1-866-273-2273).
###
|
