Popping Into Success: Eddie's Journey with Perspectives' Community Based Work Experience
By Jason Carpenter | Sep 21, 2023
1 min read
Eddie, the popcorn pro at All South County Luxury Cinemas
Have you ever walked into a movie theater, the smell of fresh popcorn filling the air, and thought about the people who make that whole experience happen? Well, if you've been to All South County Luxury Cinemas lately, you might have crossed paths with Eddie. He's the guy with the infectious smile, who's fast becoming a pro at cleaning theaters and even making popcorn!
"Eddie completed 40 hours of an assessment showing off his skills and was then offered a job," says Jackie McKenna, Eddie's Career Developer at Perspectives. "His new coworkers have really taken him under their wing and supported him through inventory Wednesdays, which is a favorite of his."
"His new coworkers have really taken him under their wing"
That's right, Eddie is one of the newest members of the All South County Luxury Cinemas team, and he got there with a little help from Perspectives' Supported Employment Services.
So, what's Perspectives all about? Imagine having a group of people who are solely focused on helping you achieve your dreams, your independence, and a life where you're contributing meaningfully to your community. That's Perspectives in a nutshell. Since 1977, our mission has been to empower individuals to participate in and contribute to community life.
We offer Supported Employment Services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It’s a comprehensive package, taking you from skills assessments to resume writing, and from interview practice to on-the-job coaching. Everything is tailored to help individuals work as independently as possible.
For Eddie, that meant 40 hours of Community Based Work Experience, practicing his skills in a real-world environment. The result? A fantastic job offer from All South County Luxury Cinemas. And Eddie isn’t just a worker; he's part of a team where he's valued and supported, both by Perspectives and his wonderful new colleagues.
"This business has been phenomenal to work with!"
Jackie couldn’t be happier about how supportive All South County Luxury Cinemas has been. "This business has been phenomenal to work with!" she exclaimed. "So supportive and including him in every and any task they have others doing."
The next time you settle into one of those premium VIP heated recliners at All South County Luxury Cinemas, perhaps to catch the latest blockbuster, know that Eddie might be right there ensuring you have an unforgettable movie experience.
It’s stories like Eddie’s that keep us motivated here at Perspectives. We aim to not just find jobs for people but to find the right jobs, where they can grow, succeed, and—most importantly—be happy.
After nearly four decades of dedicated service, our beloved CEO Judy Niedbala will soon be trading her office for sandy shores as she retires on May 2, 2025.