{"id":180616,"date":"2024-04-29T14:51:47","date_gmt":"2024-04-29T18:51:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/?p=180616"},"modified":"2024-04-29T14:51:47","modified_gmt":"2024-04-29T18:51:47","slug":"best-buddies-jobs-mannys-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bestbuddies.org\/newyork\/mannys-story","title":{"rendered":"Best Buddies Jobs: Manny’s Story"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_single_image image=”180613″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_column_text]The Best Buddies Jobs program represents one of our organization\u2019s five key mission pillars, Integrated Employment. This program secures jobs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), allowing them to earn an income, pay taxes, and continuously and independently support themselves.<\/p>\n

Our Jobs team in New York matches skilled and qualified individuals with IDD with businesses seeking enthusiastic and dedicated employees. Through the Jobs program, Best Buddies develops partnerships with employers, assists with the hiring process, and provides ongoing support to the employee and employer.<\/p>\n

\"Manny<\/p>\n

Manny Mattei is a Best Buddies New York Jobs participant who is celebrating his one-year anniversary at Amwins on May 2. Learn more about Manny\u2019s experience through his own words below:<\/p>\n

Q: What was your life like before becoming involved with Best Buddies?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A: It was boring. I spent my days going to my day hab program. I used to work at a chain restaurant and that was hard. My manager was changing all of the time, and I didn\u2019t have support. Sometimes the managers were mean to me and tell me I couldn\u2019t do things. The restaurant closed in 2017 and I was left without a job, so I went back to my day hab program every day. I never wanted to work in a restaurant. I always dreamed of working in an office. That\u2019s when I talked with Best Buddies Jobs and everything changed.<\/p>\n

Q: Who or what led you to Best Buddies?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A: I found e-Buddies on the internet, and I got paired with someone that works in HQ. We emailed each other back and forth. I asked them if they have a New York Chapter and here I am today! I emailed the State Director and got connected with my first in-person buddy, Rachel. Now I\u2019ve met a lot of friends through Best Buddies that I can count on for life. I first joined Best Buddies because I didn\u2019t have any friends or social activities that I could attend. When I joined Best Buddies Jobs, it changed my life. I have made a lot of friends at work and in Best Buddies.<\/p>\n

Q: How has your life improved since getting a job?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A: It\u2019s been fun. I get to make more money and this year I got a bonus. I am happier to be earning an income. I\u2019ve made a lot of friends at work not only in my office, but in other Amwins offices too. I look forward to working there for a lifetime.<\/p>\n

Q: What do you love most about your job?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A: The friendships I\u2019ve made. My coworkers are helpful. I can go to them if I have questions. We joke around together.<\/p>\n

Q: What skills do you get to use at your job?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A: I work on a computer every day, keeping inventory of supplies for the office. Now I know how to use excel. I send emails. I use the printer to scan everyone\u2019s mail to send to them. I also shred everyone\u2019s important documents.<\/p>\n

Q: What are some future goals now that you have a job and earn a paycheck?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A: I want to keep making money and saving it up. I want to save it up for something big, like visiting some of my friends that have moved out of state. I want to work at Amwins for life and retire here.<\/p>\n

Manny isn\u2019t the only one benefitting from his job \u2013 Amwins has enjoyed being part of the Best Buddies Jobs program, too! Continue reading below for an interview with Manny\u2019s supervisor at Amwins, Lizzie Nauraungua:<\/p>\n

Q: Why did you decide to partner with Best Buddies Jobs?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A: We often see individuals with IDD working in grocery stores, kitchens, etc. Unfortunately, it’s rare to see individuals with IDD working in large businesses and corporations. We’ve been able to hire individuals with IDD throughout our offices and they have had the opportunity to showcase their capabilities, work ethic and independence. To prove they can work in corporate jobs and deserve the opportunity to be considered. Best Buddies, or like organizations, are helpful because they help us match talented individuals with IDD with our offices specific job needs. They also help train the employee and are a resource for our offices.<\/p>\n

Q: What have you learned from your employee with IDD?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A: Individuals with IDD are such a delight to have in the office. Manny is so loved by everyone in the office. He truly brightens our day when he comes in and says hello to everyone. He is so helpful when we need him to do something that is not on his usual work routine he will gladly do it. We learn from Manny that individuals with IDD are very kind and thoughtful.<\/p>\n

The Best Buddies Jobs program in New York is so grateful to committed employer partners like Amwins and dedicated employees like Manny. Happy one-year work anniversary, Manny \u2013 here’s to many more![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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