Testimonials
 

Lisa D'Alto

Lisa D’Alto is a 34 year old, developmentally disabled young woman.

After graduating high school, Lisa’s life consisted of staying home and watching television. She was living with her parents, didn’t have any self confidence, was depressed and had very little self-worth. She never dreamed she would be able hold a job, live on her own, or be able to take care of herself.  Then one day her cousin introduced her to Occupations.  Lisa now has a job and her own apartment.  She cleans, cooks and grocery shops, and with assistance, pays her bills and manages her finances.

Lisa commented, “I think anyone that has a problem or a disability should consider coming to Occupations. It’s a great place and I wish more people would find out about it.  It makes a life for somebody, and you get to experience what it’s all about.  Without this kind of place, where would people like us go to? They made me feel like I’m a person, that I’m accepted, and that I can actually do things for myself.  I feel like I got a make over!”

This is Lisa’s story…

Lisa was introduced to Occupations when she was 24 years old.  At that time, she really didn’t want to go to the Occupations work center. She was so used to staying home after graduating high school and had been denied employment – no one would hire her.  She was very nervous during her first days at Occupations’ work center. She didn’t think she would like anyone or that anyone would like her.  She wasn’t aware of her own capabilities.

Quickly, Lisa grew to like her job.  It wasn’t long before she couldn’t wait to get up to go to work.  Lisa shares, “I think it is a good program because it gives us a chance to know what it a job is all about.  It showed me that I can really make something of myself because I used to think I wasn’t worth anything.  Now I feel like I’m a person and I have a job.  Every day I look forward to getting up and getting ready for work.” 

It was realized by Lisa, her parents and by Occupations staff that a job was not all Lisa wanted to achieve.  Lisa wanted more; she wanted to live on her own.  In 2002 she began working with a residential habilitation counselor, Sandra Gildelion, to prepare Lisa to live on her own.  She was first placed in an apartment with another young female, but unfortunately, that did not work out, and Lisa had to move back home.  Then she was placed in an apartment on her own.  It was scary for her at first, and she never dreamed she would be in her own apartment; the apartment she has been living in for three years now.  Lisa comments, “If someone said that three years ago I would be able to live on my own, I would say I would never be able to make it. Things have worked out great.”

Lisa is thankful to have Sandra Gildelion (her residential habilitation counselor).  Sandra meets with her 4 days a week, 2 hours a day, and has taught her many life skills.  Initially, Lisa didn’t know how to write a check, clean the house or do the laundry because her mom used to do that for her.  Now she knows what it is like to run her own house, and she does that extremely well; her home is spotless.  

During the past few years the staff at Occupations, Inc., has helped Lisa in many other ways.  Among other issues, Lisa has had to deal with depression, anxiety and stress management.  Early on, the staff helped her get through the death of her 22 year old brother, which was a very hard time for her, and she is very thankful for the help she received from everyone to get her through that very difficult time. Recently, she had a bad anxiety attack and had to go to the hospital. Fearful of losing her apartment because of this, she quickly sought the help she needed and now knows now to control her anxiety.  She knows when she has a bad day and when she needs to talk to someone. She utilizes the services of Mobile Mental Health when she needs to and knows how to manage when there is an emergency situation.  “They are excellent people to talk to.  They come to the house if they need to and if they can’t help you they get the people that can,” comments Lisa.

Lisa has been very courageous in pursuing her accomplishments.  She has a job, her own apartment, pays her bills, cleans, cooks, grocery shops, and with assistance, manages her finances. She takes pride in the fact that she is making her own payments for her braces.  It is no surprise this young woman also received an Outstanding Achievement Award from Occupations, Inc., in 2004 for all of her accomplishments. Lisa is very thankful to the staff at Occupations for all they have done with her life, and also for the support and help she has received from her parents. 

Lisa D’Alto is a great example of how the multiple services Occupations offers can help someone live independently and achieve their dreams. 

From parents and guardians…

“I would like to express my appreciation for your institution and its wonderful employees…Ms. Lydia Perez is both diligent and compassionate about her work. She soulfully cares about the parents and children… I cannot express in words the amount of comfort and help she supplied…”

Roberto Vazquez, parent

"Often, as people complete the daily tasks of their chosen career, they sometimes reflect on their accomplishments and wonder if they make a positive difference. You and your staff have certainly made a difference on the quality of my brother's life, as well as many others, and I thank you for being there for him and my family. Throughout my life I have been truly blessed and I must say that you and your staff are certainly among those blessings…." 

Barbara Maillet, relative and guardian

"The team at Occupations approached Jonathan's problems in a structured and consistent manner. We would like to recognize MJ Barnes, Site Supervisor, Residential Services, particularly, as Jonathan's most concerned and constant caregiver with the insight and endurance to effect these changes. Alex joins me in thanking you for your years of calm and sensible communication and for your dedication." 

Susan Canaan, parent 

"Occupations, Inc. has excellent resources available for families. As parents, we feel like our point of view is heard, respected and supported... Occupations, Inc. has helped our family move in the direction that we needed to go, and our daughter is doing very well. Thank you!" 

Christopher & Wendy O'Brien, parents

From consumers…

“I never could have gotten myself together if it wasn’t for the caring and nurturing staff of Brooks Avenue. They saved my life when I didn’t think there was anything left to save… My family and friends gave up on me a long time ago, but staff never did. They were there ‘24/7’ for me. Thanks is not enough, but the love and gratitude I feel are!”

Carolyn Buck, resident and service recipient

"I like the friendly atmosphere where I work… I also like the feeling of working. I feel like I'm doing something well." 

Jacques Philippe, consumer

"Heaven must be a big West Point kitchen… The people at Occupations have helped me feel good about myself… Soldiers tell me, 'Thank you for being here.' I get recognized by the West Point staff." 

Marsha Santana, consumer

"I used to envy guys who had good jobs - now I'm one of them." 

Bill Bessinger, consumer

From business partners...

"I wish I had a word better than excellent!"

Chet Sahni, NCN Interstate Distributors

"Most effective and efficient packaging firm I have ever used."

Kevin McKenna, Flexitron Industries

"When fast turnaround is critical, we can count on Occupations!"

Natalie Levine, Nifty Packaging Products

"Timely information, fast turnaround, Occupations is ready to please!"

Judy Wilson, JMR Promotions, Inc.

From staff…

"At Occupations, Inc., I found an environment committed to my own personal growth. A place where individuality and team building are both nurtured. My commitment to help others and my drive to succeed is a direct result of making a decision five years ago to not just settle for a job, but to find a career… The same opportunity is there for you." 

Melissa Arenas-Dewitt, Director of Rehabilitation Services

"When my wife and I decided to move upstate to provide a better environment in which to have our first child, I felt that I would have to sacrifice my career in exchange for the quality of life we wanted outside of the city. I never expected to discover a job where I would feel so at home so quickly in my profession." 

Martin Knowles, Senior Therapist,
Community Counseling Clinic at Scotchtown

"…We have made tremendous strides towards changing our culture to one in which all staff are able to meaningfully contribute towards realizing our Vision. The values that we agreed upon in our Vision are becoming the standard of how we work together. We are starting to see the tangible results of our efforts…we are on the right track."

Bill Brown, Production Services Director