Peoria, Ariz. - If you happen to be in the neighborhood of the Peoria City Hall, take a look at the grounds They're impeccable...thanks to the efforts of the city's Group Supported Employment (GSE) team.
"These individuals are actually hired on as city employees" Recreation superintendent, Paula Considine said.
It's an important distinction for Considine, who administers the city's Adult Day Program for persons with developmental disabilities. She was looking for a way to expand the program--especially for young adults with special needs. Over the past six months, the city has put eight GSE participants to work.
"We didn't think he'd ever have this chance," Lisa Natham said. Natham's son Peter, who has an autism spectrum disorder, was hired through the GSE program. "I've never seen anyone that excited to go to work. I know I never was," she said with a laugh.
Peter Natham has volunteered for years around Peoria. With this program, he and his co-workers are hoping to show potential employers, they have just as much value as any other employee.
"If you give them the chance, you will see that you are going to have a very dedicated, very loyal and committed employee," Considine said.
Families of participants in the GSE program point to another positive, the level of pride and independence soars each time these special employees clock-in to work.
"They now have their own money, and they're earning it," Considine said. "And there's a sense of pride in being able to earn your own money," she added.
"The fact that (Peter) was willing to volunteer, showed that he's willing to do worthwhile things," Lisa Natham stressed. "The fact that he's getting paid for it now--is amazing," she said.
The eight individuals all went through an application process--just like any other Peoria employee. They work two days a week doing light custodial and grounds keeping duties at $8.31 per hour. The City of Peoria hopes to add two more GSE members in the future.