We are proud to introduce you to Roger P.
Roger has been a member of DDI’s Supported Employment Program for ten years. He works as a part-time porter/maintenance associate for Port Jefferson Emergency Medical Services (PJEMS) in Mt. Sinai. He has been there for ten years and is well-liked and appreciated by his Chiefs and the EMTs.
As the ambulance company grew, so did Roger’s responsibilities. Roger cleans the bathrooms, kitchen, truck bay, classrooms, Chief’s offices, and gym. Roger keeps the facility clean and keeps track of supplies, such as paper towels, toilet paper, and cleaning products to ensure they are ordered in a timely manner. After many years, the PJEMS Board decided to hire a full-time cleaning company, as they felt the job got to be too much for a part-time maintenance professional. Roger’s Chief did not want to part ways with him, so he asked Roger to work on weekends. Roger agreed and works every Sunday.
During that time, a maintenance position became available at the Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk (VIBS) in Islandia. It was the perfect setting for Roger. With the assistance of Rosie, his Employment Specialist, Roger’s resume was updated, and he applied for the position. Roger’s wonderful personality and extensive experience made quite an impression on the Director of VIBS, and he was immediately offered the maintenance position.
Roger has been working part-time at VIBS Monday-Friday, 20 hrs./week for three years now. He keeps the facility sparkling clean, cleaning the bathrooms and kitchen, taking out the trash, cleaning the floors, and vacuuming the carpets. Roger is also always eager to help with special projects, such as cleaning out offices and putting up seasonal decorations.
VIBS has undergone a great deal of leadership change in the past year since they merged with the Empowerment Collaborative of Long Island (ECLI). The new Director, Jen, and Roger’s direct supervisor, Danielle, are very appreciative of Roger’s outstanding job performance and dedication. Since the merge, Roger has been given his own office. In addition to his maintenance duties, Roger is now responsible for reordering cleaning supplies and anything else the facility requires. Roger continues to be an immense help to his leadership team. Roger loves working at VIBS and often refers to VIBS as a second family.
Danielle (Supervisor) and Roger
