Robert’s Recipe for Success

After leaving an unfulfilling job, Robert Youngs, 38, was unsure of where he would land next.

Diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, he had long struggled with communication. It was hard to connect with coworkers — and even harder to ask for help.

“He didn’t like how the company responded to some of his advocacy,” said Anthony Ortiz, employment specialist at Unity House. “He decided he wanted a change.”

That change came through Unity Employment Services (UES). Their 12-week food service training program marked a turning point for Robert and sparked his interest in cooking. He discovered something he truly enjoyed and could see himself doing long-term. The course covered kitchen safety, knife handling, food prep, and sanitization.

“Robert did very well memorizing facts like temperature and safety charts,” Anthony said. “He was a little less comfortable with the physical mechanics. In the beginning, he was very stiff.”

With help from UES staff, Robert improved his workplace safety habits and kitchen etiquette. Slowly, his confidence grew. He gained experience at the Auburn Holiday Inn, learning to use a griddle, fryer, waffle iron, and various knives. Still, inclusive employment was hard to come by. Despite having spent 10 years in the maintenance department at The Citizen, many employers required experience Robert didn’t have.

Anthony and Vocational Services Coordinator Steve Hurst helped him update his resume and practice mock interviews. That helped Robert secure a 12-hour-a-week internship at Mamma Maria New York Pizzeria in Auburn. Robert’s subsidized wages are supported through OPWDD while he learns on the job. He now washes dishes, measures exact portions, bags frozen ingredients, and keeps prep stations clean — essential roles in a fast-paced kitchen.

“I love it here. Everyone is kind to me,” Robert said. “I’m hoping to learn more about rolling dough and mixing pizza sauce.”

Anthony continues to provide on-site coaching to support Robert’s growth.

“I’m proud of the confidence and level of autonomy he displays while working,” Anthony said.

Robert’s growing comfort in the kitchen shows how the step-by-step, hands-on guidance provided by UES can empower people with disabilities to succeed at work. For his job coach, it’s a reminder of what’s possible:

“Everyone deserves a fair shot to live the life they deserve,” Anthony said. “If they need assistance to live that life and I can help, then I absolutely will.”