About half of the day program participants at Disabilities and Special Needs (DSN) are now gainfully employed as a result of a cleaning contract between Beaufort County and DSN.
Ashley, one of the “consumers” in the program, now making her own money says, “You don’t allow your disability to get in the way of you working and doing a good job.” Jason, another consumer now employed said, “Working keeps you active and your mind going and you earn money which allows you to do things.”
These consumers are cleaning several of the Parks and Leisure Service Buildings around Beaufort County. Other consumers have jobs at Goodwill helping fold clothes and organize items. This opportunity not only allows these adults to earn their own money but it also teaches them responsibility and gives them a sense of accomplishment.
Billy Love, Director of the DSN Day program, says, “We appreciate the support we have and continue to receive from County Council. With this contract approved by council, the consumers are doing what they want and what we want for them. I feel with more consumers working, more of the public will give a second thought to stereotypes.”
“You feel good about yourself, independent and capable of doing things,” said Kim, a DSN consumer.
Catherine summed up her new job perfectly, “Working makes me feel happy,” and another participant James said, “When I work I want to make sure everything is clean and done right.”
