Kennedy says working at Home Depot has helped him get into shape but the benefits really go far beyond that for someone dealing with intellectual and developmental disabilities.<\/p>\n

“Mainly it’s to make my parents proud,” said Kennedy.<\/p>\n

The 24 year old got the Home Depot job through the Best Buddies Jobs Program.<\/p>\n

“It’s an income. It’s a sense of pride. It’s a sense of independence,” said program supervisor Laura Berry.<\/p>\n

Berry says the need for programs like her is actually greater now than it used to be.<\/p>\n

Programs that once offered separate job opportunities for people like Kennedy have shut down in Tennessee.<\/p>\n

Statistically more than 80% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are living unemployed.<\/p>\n

“So there aren’t a lot of options for them unless they go into community employment and we’re helping create that employment,” said Berry.<\/p>\n

Kennedy is among the first 8 participants.<\/p>\n

He’s done so well he’s now full time and his boss utilizes him to help new employees.<\/p>\n

“Leo is a great coach, job coach, just watching him work,” said Home Depot Manager Sheila Sites.<\/p>\n