For over twenty years, Kathleen has been working in the food service industry. In the early 2000’s she worked for Nathan’s Famous, the long-standing hot dog restaurant chain, until her location closed. Throughout her time working at Nathan’s, she received Supported Employment (SEMP) services from the agency. With SEMP, Kathleen always had access to an Employment Training Specialist (ETS), or job coach, to assist her in her job search, onboarding, and training. Job coaches offer continued support throughout employment.
“I like working in a kitchen,” said Kathleen. “I like everything about it, mostly helping out.”
In 2011, she started working with Wheatley Farms Catering as a dishwasher where she worked until 2020 when pandemic layoffs affected many Americans including Kathleen. With the support of her job coach, Kathleen expanded her job search beyond kitchens, considering roles in retail and administration. Still, securing a new position proved difficult.
“I kept looking for other jobs but no luck. It was the pandemic,” Kathleen said, recalling the reason why finding a new role was so grueling. “I looked for about two years before they called me back to the kitchen.”
In 2023, her coach at the time learned of a dishwasher vacancy at Wheatley Farms and quickly submitted Kathleen’s application. Kathleen was happy to return to the familiarity of her former role. It meant less training and more tips and refreshers, which her coach provided from time to time.
Kathleen is in her late sixties and appreciates working part-time. She works on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. She uses the remaining weekdays to complete household chores and schedule her medical appointments.
When asked if she would be able to have a job without a job coach Kathleen replied, “I don’t know,” exemplifying the value of having a trusted person who can provide support with employment related challenges.
“I like this job,” said Kathleen. “I plan on staying here for about a couple more years until I retire.”
Outside of work, Kathleen likes to spend time with her roommate. They have dinner together, take shopping trips to the mall at Roosevelt Field, and relax with frequent movie nights.
For Kathleen, and many others, services like SEMP are more than just job support – they provide the independence to work and contribute to their communities on their own terms.
Interested in learning more about Supported Employment Supports, contact central enrollment at (516) 644-4800 or centralenrollment@ahrc.org.