*Please note: this story was originally featured in SOAR365’s Summer NEWZ publication. Click here to view the full newsletter.
For Timothy Glasgow, working at RVA Goats and Honey quickly proved to be an experience that provides independence, confidence and a sense of community. With the help of SOAR365’s Supported Employment program, he has found a role that aligns his love for animals and hands-on work, even if it requires him to get his hands dirty from time to time.
Timothy, who has a disability and has been working at RVA Goats and Honey for nearly a year, is responsible for feeding and caring for a variety of animals, including goats, pigs, sheep, and donkeys. He makes sure that their stalls are clean, working hard to maintain a healthy and organized environment for the animals. Although he was initially hesitant around livestock, Timothy quickly adapted and has become a dedicated and self-sufficient farmhand.
“He’s really fallen into the job quite quickly,” said Mike, a team member at RVA Goats and Honey. “He’s become self-sufficient in his work and efficient in how he does it. I think he’s overcome whatever limitations he thought he had.”
Through this opportunity, Timothy has gained more than just work experience. He’s developed essential life skills, including improved patience and a better understanding of how to prioritize his responsibilities, as well as newfound financial independence. With his earnings, he enjoys shopping at places like Walmart and Dollar Tree, saving up for personal treats such as new CDs or Starbucks coffee.
“Timothy is more than just a worker to us, and for him, it’s more than just a job,” Mike noted. “He puts his whole heart into this.”
The work can be challenging, especially in particularly tough weather conditions, but Timothy has shown resilience. Whether it’s sweltering summer heat or frigid winter days, he remains committed to his tasks while working alongside his SOAR365 Supported Employment job coach, Erik Schmidt.
Erik has been a crucial part of Timothy’s journey, providing instruction, support, and encouragement from the start. Their bond grows stronger with each new day spent spreading hay and refilling the animals’ drinking water at RVA Goats and Honey, making the work environment even more enjoyable.
This opportunity wouldn’t be possible without businesses like RVA Goats and Honey, which reached out to SOAR365 as it looked to provide an opportunity to someone just like Timothy. Owner Kristi Orcutt has a personal connection to the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community and has long worked with employment programs like SOAR365.
“Companies like ours can really benefit from working with SOAR365’s Supported Employment program,” Mike said. “If a person is given a job that matches their abilities and potential for growth, they can truly thrive.”
Timothy’s success story serves as an inspiring example of how the right opportunity can empower individuals with disabilities.
With SOAR365’s Supported Employment team understanding his individualized needs and interests, he has found a career path that brings him joy, stability and a deep sense of accomplishment. His journey reminds us that meaningful employment for people with disabilities can transform lives – not just for employees like Timothy, but for the entire community.
To learn more about the work being done at RVA Goats and Honey, visit their website by clicking here.