Fort Myers Woman Is Loyal Employee
Carolyn Codie has made a very good impression on her boss. The Fort Myers woman has held a job in a local McDonald's restaurant for five years and also happens to have a developmental disability. During October, which is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is putting the spotlight on Floridians like Codie who have careers and fulfilling lives.
"She's really a loyal employee," said Deana Homsi, who owns and operates the McDonald's restaurant.
As the restaurant's hospitality ambassador, Codie cleans the dining area, keeps plenty of condiments handy, and assists customers in the lobby.
"Even though she can't speak very well, Carolyn directs them where to go,7q
Homsi said. "And she sanitizes all the tables and just provides a clean environment for everyone to eat in."
Codie receives services that are funded through APD, including supported employment services provided by LARC, Inc. Those services helped Codie to get her job at McDonald's. Earlier this year, LARC and Good Wheels, a transportation provider, presented Codie with a Citizen of the Year award.
"She's never late," Homsi said of her award-winning employee. "She comes an hour early to work every day, and just watches what's going on. She's excited to be involved."
Homsi is so impressed by Codie's enthusiasm, performance, and positive attitude that she is quick to recommend that other employers hire people with disabilities.
"If you want someone who's happy, that wants to be at work and wants to give a hundred percent every day, they can do it," Homsi said. "They're excited. They want to be there. And that's the best kind of employee that you could have."
It's a win-win situation. The restaurant has a dependable and loyal employee. And Codie has a richer, more satisfying life.
"We congratulate Carolyn for her continuing success and personal growth," said James Vidrine of APD's office in Fort Myers. "We also appreciate our community providers like LARC that significantly contribute to the successful employment of persons with disabilities."
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).
###
|
