September 5, 2014

by: Emily Hastings

What has UCP of Greater Cleveland done for you? – Kelly Alexander

This week’s blog post is from Kelly Alexander, a Vocational Services client who works at the Oatey Company. Kelly is responsible for counting product, placing the appropriate amount in shipping boxes, packaging and labeling. She also assists clients at times. Kelly’s supervisor, Ed, says, “Kelly always comes in with a positive attitude and is willing to help others. She’s someone we can really count on when we’re behind and to give assistance when needed.”

I started coming to UCP in November 2013. Before then I used to work at River Copy and Mail. I decided to come to UCP because there is more work at Oatey than I had at my other job. I like to keep busy.

One of my favorite things about working at Oatey is my supervisor Ed. He is very fun and has a good personality. He is a wonderful supervisor. He likes to joke around and make our work day fun all at the same time. I am happier working at Oatey.

I also love all the jobs there. I have a lot of work and jobs to do. I count pieces and sort them. Ed taught me how to do that. I also help people out at work by cleaning stuff and putting things away. Ed has a really hard job and I try to make it easy by helping with whatever I can.

The hardest part of the job for me is counting, but Ed helps me with that. He developed a counting board to help me. If there is something I don’t understand I go to him. I feel comfortable going to Ed and asking him questions. He is easy to talk to. And if he doesn’t know the answer, he will go to someone else to get the answer for me. His boss Katie (Adkins) is great too.

My favorite memory is the special lunches we do every month. We also went to Cedar Point and the zoo for an outing. I love it at Oatey so much! I am so glad I got there. I bettered myself to get the job. It’s a regular job too – there’s regular people and people with disabilities.

 

For more information about UCP of Greater Cleveland’s Community Employment program, please contact Kate Adkins, Community Employment Manager, at (216) 791-8362 ext. 1252 or kadkins@ucpcleveland.org. Or visit our website at https://www.ucpcleveland.org/services-for-adults/community-employment.

---