Broc loves to cook. He started cooking in a culinary arts class in the 8th grade and according to his mom, Courtney, has never stopped experimenting. “He likes to cook very unique, different things,” said Courtney. “He always has to be trying something new. He’s made fortune cookies, orange chicken... he even looked into how to make gum!” When the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) referred Broc to Leah Laux, ODC Job Developer, she worked with him to explore his interests and cooking was mentioned... and she immediately had an idea. She was setting up a temporary work experience for Broc, an opportunity for the Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH) senior to discover the types of work that might interest him, and she thought about Copps Bakery. “He had applied for lots of jobs,” said Courtney, “but because of his autism he didn’t do well in interviews. He tried and tried and tried, and no one would ever call him back!” So when Broc connected with ODC, and Leah arranged the opportunity for him to do an on-the-job “try-out” at Copps, it really did the trick.
“They were able to see that he’s really easy to work with, he’s very nice, and he does really good work!” said Courtney. Unfortunately, Broc’s age prevented him from doing the bakery tryout – he wasn’t yet 18 – but it turns out that Broc loved his training experience as a Copps grocery bagger and was ultimately hired for the job! When Broc turned 18, he was asked if he wanted to try the bakery job, but he wasn’t sure... “He likes the social aspect of working in the check-out line,” said Courtney. “He knows everyone!” “When you have autism,” said Broc, “socializing is really hard to do. But the people at Copps have been so nice. They are so understanding about my problems. Also, the people who come to shop have been very kind... it’s really rare that I see someone who is just grumpy!” “Working is important to me,” said Broc. “It earns me money, and I gain experience and have time to figure out what the future might be like.” “It’s been great for him to be working,” said Courtney. “It’s taught him responsibility, and he’s grown in so many ways. He’s learning social skills, making new friends, and he’s been able to handle his money really well, which is something he’s never had the opportunity to do before!” Broc will continue to work with DVR and ODC as he explores what his future will hold. He’d like to explore his other passion – science – and participate in some job shadowing over the summer. He also plans to go back to school at some point after his high school graduation. “This job is a great first step,” he said, “but there’s more to come!”
Broc
111 58
70 23%
80
34 %
121 37%
130
145
159 51%
INDIVIDUALS IN SUPPORTED
Community Employment
41%
39%
ODC’s supported employment staff provide on-the-job support for individuals in community employment. They assist with training the employee for the job, and provide job coaching services for as long as needed to ensure success for both the employee and employer. ODC’s supported employment staff serve individuals in Wood, Portage, Marathon, Langlade, Lincoln, Taylor and Clark counties.
25%
20%
*Numbers and percentages indicate individuals in ODC's long-term support programs.
2009 2016 ANNUAL REPORT
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2016 5