David Boddy is the proud winner of SOAR365’s Supported Employment Participant of the Year award
“My college degree was nothing compared to this,” says David, proudly. He’s talking about winning SOAR365’s “Supported Employment Participant of the Year” award — a moment that made him feel proud, seen, and a little emotional. The award wasn’t just a surprise. It was proof of how far he’s come, thanks to his hard work, his family’s support, and help from SOAR365’s Employment Services team.
First Steps to Success
David’s journey started in 2021, when he took a break from college and first connected with SOAR365.
He was paired with job coach Leo Castro, who helped him find a job at Regal Cinemas. Before long, David was taking tickets and cleaning the theater.
“They were understanding. David was very apprehensive about concessions and the cash register. He tried it, but he just was not comfortable,” explains his mother, Emily. She praises their willingness to find better roles for David, providing him with his first job experience.
David soon returned to school to finish his associate’s degree. But after graduation, his mom knew just who to call to help him find a job.
“We knew that SOAR365 would really be the best for him, since it had gone so well the first time,” says Emily.
This time, David was paired with Aaron Houghton. “From the moment Aaron and David met, David felt very comfortable with him,” says Emily. “We trusted that Aaron would not only be a good advocate for him but also good at encouraging David to be his own advocate.”
Finding the Right Fit
With Aaron’s guidance, David began working in dining services at Avery Point Retirement Community, where he’s currently bussing dishes. “Pushing the bus cart to the dish pit is a job that I can say I’m proud to be doing,” says David.
David drives himself to and from work each day. As his skills and comfort level have increased, he’s needed Aaron’s support less and less. Soon, he’ll be completely independent. The job also allows him the opportunity to socialize, something that became especially important after graduation.
“He’s used to being in college, where he’s around people all the time,” Emily says. “Once he came home, it’s challenging to find your peers.” But at Avery Point, he found friends among his co-workers, who often take trips to Wawa together.
Plus, David has room to grow. “We’re so excited about Avery Point,” says Emily. “They were very clear that there are many opportunities to move upward in dining services or to move across departments if he has an interest in something else.”
David’s already been working closely with a server trainer, practicing “cold running” small plates, like salads and appetizers, to tables. “They really seem to be committed to doing the type of training that David needs,” says Emily.
“David is just a model employee all around,” says Aaron. “He’s friendly, polite, and has a great sense of humor. He’s also tremendously observant and always open to learning.”
David’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. The staff at Avery Point posted a smiling picture of David on the wall by the punch station, modeling the appropriate way to wear the work uniform. And the residents are always happy to see him, too.
“They absolutely adore David and go out of their way to stop me in the hallways to let me know what a terrific job he is doing!” says Aaron.
Standing in the Spotlight
When David received his award from SOAR365, his managers from Avery Point were there to cheer him on. David says it’s his most meaningful milestone yet.
“I thought, ‘This award will actually make me cry!’” says David. Aaron first told David he’d won in person, by showing him an email from Employment Services Director, Chris Martin. Chris praised David’s hard work, focus and patience.
“Chris said, ‘Let him know he did that, and that he’s accomplished so much.’ I haven’t cried my tears yet, but my quivering lip comes out,” David admits. “It just feels really good, and I thank SOAR365 for nominating me and for the support. I just can’t wait to celebrate a promotion and whatever comes next in my life with this position.”
The award meant a lot to Emily, too. “Aside from graduation, I have not seen him smile so much. It was just wonderful to be able to be there with all of those people and experience their joy at being encouraged and honored – from the staff to the participants, it’s a moving evening,” she says.
Interested in helping more people with disabilities, like David, find jobs in our community? Your gift makes a difference! Please visit soar365.org/donate.
Want to learn more about SOAR365’s Employment Services? Check out soar365.org or contact Chris Martin at (804) 381-5405 or [email protected].