A Job Worth Speaking Up About

When Suzie Stone started working at Boutwells Landing, a senior living facility in Oak Park Heights, she immediately felt a difference from previous jobs. "I feel more respected and more understood,” says Suzie, who is a part of our employment program. “I don't think I've met a person here who's given me a hard time. Everybody I work with is really nice."

As a member of the kitchen staff for Boutwells' memory care unit, Suzie oversees a lengthy list of responsibilities: plating dinners and desserts, prepping napkins and silverware, cleaning up dishes, and ensuring the kitchen is ready to do it all again the next day. It was a lot to manage at first—but Suzie was quick to speak up for the support she needed. "I really appreciate that they respect I have a physical and mental disability," says Suzie.

Thoughtful accommodations have had a big impact on Suzie's experience of the job, like her request to sit at a table while folding napkins instead of stand. "She does a really good job advocating for herself and communicating with people," says Pam Allen, the MSS Employment Specialist who helped to place Suzie.

Since then, Suzie has become a valued presence among both her coworkers and the residents at Boutwells. She even recalls a time that Pam visited and overheard the nurses raving about her: "Suzie’s so fun to work with, she's so sweet, she's so great!"

With a full year under her belt, Suzie is looking forward to seeing how her position at Boutwells will continue to evolve. A recent performance review, which Suzie read proudly during our interview, suggests that Boutwells is excited about her future as well!