Fulfilling a Longtime Dream

It’s a Friday afternoon, and Richard Langendoerfer has just completed his work week as a teacher’s aide at TST BOCES.

“It brings a smile to my face,” said Richard, 28. “It’s a job where I come home and think, ‘Wow, I really did something for them today.’”

Not long ago, Richard was working as a dishwasher, a job that left him feeling unfulfilled.

“I used to come home bored. I didn’t have a lot to talk about from my day,” he said. “I wanted to get out of the dish room and work in a classroom environment.”

His mother, Jackie, remembers the turning point clearly.

“He just said, ‘Mom, I’m not happy,’” she recalled. “I just want him to have joy and be happy. I will do everything in my power to make that happen.”

When the family reached out for help, Unity House answered the call.

With guidance from Unity House Employment Services, Richard built the skills and confidence to pursue something more meaningful. When he saw a social media post advertising open interviews at TST BOCES, he was ready. With job coaches Anthony and Jennifer by his side, he was hired on the spot.

Today, Richard supports students with disabilities in an elementary school classroom, helping them use tap-to-talk systems to bridge communication barriers.

“It has been a longtime dream to work with individuals with intellectual disabilities, because I have a disability myself,” he said.

Jackie says she’s grateful for the support Unity House provides.

“Unity House has been a godsend,” she said. “They support parents one hundred percent.”

Through Self-Direction services, Richard has taken another major step: living independently.

With help from his life plan team — including his broker, Becky Paoff — he now lives on his own in a new home in Ithaca. He’s also learning to manage bills, set goals, and make decisions that shape his future.

“Richard takes great pride in maintaining his home and staying active in his community,” Becky said. “Jackie has been his number one cheerleader, too. It’s great to see him have that support from family.”

Outside of work, Richard continues to thrive as a Special Olympics athlete, competing in track and field, bocce, and bowling. This summer, he’ll compete once again.

“Are you running out of room for those yet?” Jackie jokes from across the room as he holds up his recent medals.

“I’m so proud,” she said. “Richard has amazed me. I couldn’t ask for a better young man.”