TWISTED TACO WELCOMES TONY
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The Twisted Taco at VCU is preparing to welcome a new employee! Tony has been a participant in SOAR365’s Supported Employment program since before the pandemic, and he has been patiently waiting for his chance to shine.

Tony’s longstanding interest in kitchen work kept him focused as he and Leo Castro, his dedicated employment specialist (or “job coach”), went through job applications together, reviewing potential positions and responsibilities. Leo’s connections led them to VCU, but it was Tony’s amazing performance at his interview that sealed the deal.

“He did so well in his interview mainly because he knows what he wants to do, and he just needed some guidance on how to express that in an effective way,” says Leo.

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Tony (Left) DeAngelo (Middle) Leo (Right)

It’s just this kind of guidance that SOAR365’s Supported Employment program provides, helping individuals with disabilities find and secure the right job for them.

Tony will now be working in the kitchen at Twisted Taco, performing dishwashing and cleaning duties. With Leo’s support, he has completed the new hire process, including turning in his ID to the administration office, navigating the online employee portal, and learning to communicate with his hiring manager about potential start dates and other important matters.

As Tony settles into his new role, Leo will check in regularly with him and the management team at Twisted Taco to address any challenges that may arise. For all individuals in Supported Employment, SOAR365’s job coaches are present onsite to provide systematic training, employment supports, and ongoing assistance as needed.

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TONY (LEFT) VISITS HIS FRIEND PIERRE (RIGHT) AT FOOD LION, WHERE THEY TALK ABOUT EMPLOYMENT SUCCESS. PIERRE HAS WORKED AT FOOD LION FOR ONE YEAR AND IS PART OF THE SOAR365 SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM.
IN THE MEANTIME, TONY CONTINUES TO LEARN NEW SKILLS AT SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT.
One of his goals is to learn how to use a debit card responsibly so that he can have his paycheck sent by direct deposit. He’s also practicing social skills with Leo, interacting with others at businesses in the community.

“My approach is like I’m taking my little brother with me. That’s how I was when I was an educator. I can relate to him in many ways, and that’s been helpful,” Leo explains.

Where Tony would sometimes get angry or have meltdowns in the past, Leo now sees zero behavioral issues — mostly due to Tony being engaged in a whole new way. “It’s because I’m keeping him busy, and we’re doing a lot. That’s what young folks need. He just needs to be challenged,” says Leo.

Speaking of challenges, Tony has big dreams of one day working in cyber security. Instead of underestimating him or limiting his possibilities, Leo has encouraged him to learn more about computers on a basic level, through training with Tech for Troops. Tech for Troops offers affordable, refurbished laptops for veterans in need and their families, in addition to technology education and IT training opportunities. By beginning with identifying different computer parts, Tony is off to a great start.

“He’s on his way. I have a lot of confidence in Tony,” Leo says.

Confidence he is sure to communicate to Tony’s family, sharing the gains he’s seen Tony make since returning to Supported Employment.