Bobby’s work experience began on a farm in Caldwell, where he worked as a farm hand in exchange for room and board.  After 15 years he was left unemployed when the farmer he had worked for died.  His first placement was at Pride Enterprises, which was then The Arc’s sheltered workshop, doing primarily janitorial work.  He maintained his position at Pride Enterprises for a few years developing new skills and confidence.  He was paid a production rate, and lived in a group home. 

 

In 1993 he started his first independent community placement as a stocker at Canned Food Warehouse.  In 1998 he obtained a position at Wal-Mart with the assistance of a job developer at The Arc, who facilitated opportunities for Bobby to contact potential employers, taught Bobby appropriate presentation for job seeking, and coached him on effective interviewing skills.  He has now sustained his employment with Wal-Mart doing janitorial work and collecting carts from the parking lot for over 10 years.  Bobby began at Wal-Mart making minimum wage. He takes great pride in his work and gets positive feedback from his employer and coworkers.  He also experiences increased independence at home, having moved from the group home to transitional living, and now renting his own apartment.

 

Bobby enjoys the independence he has achieved through the acquisition of marketable skills, and the opportunity to find a niche in his community.  He likes to be active, and has been an athlete with Special Olympics for over 30 years.  Bobby has gained not only greater financial independence but also increased self-confidence and social support through his work with the Arc, Inc.