Samuel's Journey from Pre-Vocational Skills to Competitive Employment

Samuel began his journey with Easterseals Southern Georgia back in 2015. Initially, he found it tough to connect with his co-workers and spent much of his time isolated. But with patience and the right environment, things began to change. Gradually, he started to interact with his colleagues, marking small yet significant milestones—like learning everyone’s birthdays and wishing them well personally.

However, like many, Samuel faced setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. When the facility he worked at reopened, he was unable to return due to funding issues, leaving him sad and longing for the sense of community he had built with his peers.

In December 2021, a new opportunity arose when he was referred to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) for Competitive Integrated Employment. During his initial informational interview for a new job, Samuel, while waiting, noticed disorganized items in the store’s freezer coolers and instinctively began organizing them. Impressed by his initiative, the General Manager offered him a job on the spot.

Determined to make a mark at work, Samuel joined the team at Mike's Meats and Country Store, where he has excelled for the past three years. His attention to detail and commitment to maintaining a well-organized store have made him an invaluable member of the team.

We love having Sam on board _{-Sam's Co-Worker}

Samuel's father, Scott Lewis, reflects on the incredible support they received throughout this journey. 

From the beginning, Easterseals has been good to Sam. It was a safe and comfortable place for him. Over time, we could see he developed a second family there. This sense of community was vital for Samuel, who embraced it wholeheartedly.

Scott notes the challenges the family faced in finding the right workplace for Samuel.

We always believed that Sam could excel at work if given the opportunity, but we weren’t sure how to convince a real workplace to give him a chance. However, with the guidance of the Easterseals team, we found a supportive environment where Samuel could thrive.

Thanks to the job training program, Samuel not only gained skills but also discovered a sense of purpose and pride in his work. 

We believe it’s important for all people to find purpose and pride in their work. Thanks to this program, Sam now has both. _{-Sam's Father}

In recognition of his achievements, Samuel Lewis was honored with the 2022 Georgia Supported Employee of the Year Award, a testament to his hard work and determination. 

We celebrate Samuel's journey and the profound impact of community support in empowering individuals to reach their full potential. We are incredibly proud of all that Sam has accomplished and look forward to seeing what the future holds for him!