The Perfect Match - Every year Grandmother’s Pie Shoppe calls and asks for HELP !!!!

“Find me the perfect match”.  With the boom in employment and so many choices, it is not always easy to find the individual who loves repetitive tasks, working in a fast paced environment  with one great perk, the wonderful aroma of sweet smelling desserts and pastries and butter tarts to die for.  

Robert Villeneuve came to us in 2006.  At that time he was 48 years old.  Robert had  lost a small portion of his memory in an accident.  We decided that writing out his goals would help.  Robert chose to do a community placement to gain an updated work reference.  We also worked with the John Howard Society to remove a very old charge that he had acquired when he was only 18 years old.  Robert attended all appointments on time, took steps to clear his record and also participated in the weekly Choices groups.

At the Salvation Army, Robert excelled and the program co-coordinator complimented his work ethic and said he was an excellent volunteer.  Robert worked in the store, cleaned, helped the team on the truck and impressed the staff so much they never wanted him to leave.  However, as all good things must come to an end, it was time for real employment.
 
Robert was getting frustrated with being the only one working at times on his placement and felt that sometimes things were not as organized as they should be.  Then…
Grandma called in May 2007!

 “I have the perfect match!”  I said.  Knowing exactly what kind of work environment this business was, I arranged an interview for Robert.  He was thrilled.  With the support of the Salvation Army team behind him and his goal of wanting a paycheck, Robert was good and ready for this interview.  He wanted to work and it was time to move on into independence.  Robert was teamed  with another individual on a production machine.  They were both around the same age and became great friends instantly.  With both men having a strong work ethic and passion for excellence, a special team was formed at Grandmother’s Pie Shoppe.  When seeing them work together I was absolutely amazed by the speed in which the machine was operating.  With Robert and his co-worker orchestrating the machine, it operated like a musical instrument.  The packaged butter tarts flying off into the air and landing just so… one would have to see it to believe it. While all this is happening, the 2 team players looked relaxed, energized and often with a smile.  I had never seen anything like it.  Helena Lee is thankful each time we meet for Robert and says that he is the perfect employee and that he works so well with his co-worker.  They inspire the rest of the team with their speed and love of work.