In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we’ll be sharing some YAI employment success stories throughout October.

 

Denisse Duran wasn’t sure about interviewing for a temporary position with a consulting engineering firm in lower Manhattan.

 

The 22-year-old had joined YAI’s Bronx Employment Services six months earlier. “YAI convinced me to go to the interview,” she said. “I wasn’t going to go because it was for a temporary job.”

 

A Perfect Fit

“We’re so glad she’s here,” said Dawn T. Grasso, Office Manager at Jaros, Baum & Bolles. “She’s wonderful, absolutely wonderful. Denisse fits perfectly into our family”

 

Dawn recalls describing the job to Denisse as “not the most fun or glamorous.” Yet Denisse was open to a new experience and exceeded all expectations.

 

Denisse’s infectious smile and strong work ethic impressed her colleagues so much, that they offered her regular part-time work. With support from Anna Rybalova, YAI Employment Training Specialist, Dawn and her colleagues were amazed how quickly Denisse picked up scanning huge blueprints, some taller than her.

 

“We honestly couldn’t keep up with her,” Dawn recalled.

 

Takes On New Tasks

 

Soon they asked Denisse about working at the computer and renaming the scanned documents. Denisse was open to the challenge and enjoys the task. She also shreds documents for the firm.

 

JBB embraces YAI’s mission of helping the people we support lead the fullest life possible by creating opportunities for living, loving, working, and learning.

 

“I’m so ecstatic for her,” Anna said. “She has grown so much in the last 4-5 months.”

 

Pride in a Paycheck

 

Employment has made a tremendous difference in the quality of Denisse’s life.

 

Working in her first job, earning a regular paycheck, having a set schedule and knowing that people are depending on her, makes her “feel like a professional,” Denisse said. “Working feels good and I feel more independent.”

 

The paycheck, of course, is also important, allowing Denisse to do the things she enjoys most. “I use it to go shopping and get my nails and hair done,” Denisse said.

 

“Everyone in my family is proud of me,” she said. “My mom is happy that I have a job. But I’m happier.”