Mike Schneider, Inferno's Pizza, Tumwater, WA

Morningside client Mike Schneider has worked as a dishwasher at Inferno's Pizza since October of 2007. Nick Costa, a Job Developer at Morningside, assisted Mike in procuring employment at the popular restaurant, located in Tumwater. "It's been a perfect job match....everything came together remarkably well with great natural supports." exclaimed Shawna Peek, Mike's first Job Coach at Inferno's.

Mike's primary duties are clearing bus tubs and ensuring all dishes are spotless. Maggie, a co-worker said, "Mike is such a hard-worker - never slacks off and will stay late to get all the dishes done." When he's not working, Mike enjoys watching sporting events and listening to the band Fall Out Boy. He also takes great pride in maintaining and detailing his prized and pristine truck.

His manager, Brad LaRue, remarked, "Everybody enjoys working with Mike....he's always in a good mood and loves to joke around." And Mike feels it's been a great fit for him at Inferno's: "I love to work there...and I really like to eat the BBQ chicken pizza."

Grays Harbor Story: David DeYoung
Working in the Community “I’m lovin’ it!”

Customers to the Hoquium McDonald’s are greeted with a huge smile when David DeYoung is on duty Tuesday and Thursday afternoons! While somewhat shy David greets customers with a quiet hello and a friendly attitude. David has been McDonald’s Lobby Attendant extraordinaire for nearly six years.

Working in the lobby is a great match for David because he takes such pride in making his customers feel welcome. Many regulars know David by name and share stories of their pets or grandchildren. While he may not remember their names he remembers their faces and knows which car each regular customer drives!

On the job, David receives support from a Morningside Job Coach. One of his work supports is a task list in pictures which he can check to ensure he has completed all of his tasks every day. Keeping the lobby clean and neat on busy days can be a challenge but David has been tested by even bigger situations – like the time 43 first and second graders came in all at once! After they left, David scanned the dining area to assess what needed to be done. He got right back to work removing all the debris from the tables then sweeping and mopping the entire restaurant before washing each table and chair so it was ready for the next customer.

While commuting to work on the bus, David has recently met a friend who rides the same bus home from her job. She helps keep a look out for the bus and they often share a soft drink and cookies on the trip home. This gives David a reason to look forward to quitting time.

His parents find the increase in sense of self-esteem and responsibility David gets from having a job even more important than the paycheck and the fact that David now interacts in his community in a way that is meaningful and fulfilling to him. Congratulations David!

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