Nelson has been part of the DDI family since 2002 and was promoted to Assistant Manager at Adams Avenue Day Hab last May!
“I’ve enjoyed seeing progress made by the individuals I’ve known for almost 19 years, whether it be in their ability perform meaningful job tasks in the community or seeing them open up their personality and become outgoing and engaged with community members,” said Nelson.
He is the son of parents who left their family and comfort of home in India and immigrated to America in the 1970s to find a better life for their children and their children’s children. His parents knew English prior to immigrating here. They both became American citizens in the early 80s. They had a few family members who helped guide them through New York City and helped find them job placement. His mother was a nurse and his father worked his way into a supervisory position at a check-cashing facility.
Being part of the Vocational Program, Nelson has used what his parents taught him and tries to instill in our individuals the value of hard work and overcoming discrimination, which his parents faced in the 70s and 80s.
“One of the best aspects about working at Adams Avenue is teaching our individuals about various cultures. I enjoyed incorporating Bollywood’s upbeat music into a lesson about Indian culture. The guys seemed to enjoy it,” Nelson said.
Thank you, Nelson, for your dedication to the individuals we support and for sharing your family’s story and your culture with those around you.