DIALOGUE A Quarterly Publication of the Regional Center of Orange County VOLUME 38 NO. 4 • FALL 2024
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Kirk Allen “IF YOU PROVIDE THE RIGHT SUPPORT, ANYBODY CAN BE SUCCESSFUL WORKING,” said Goodwill of Orange County’s Kathi Millett, Program Director of Community-Based Services. When making the comment, she was discussing a program Goodwill and RCOC are piloting to provide intensive employment support to eight adults with a strong desire to work, but whose prior work experience in subminimum wage settings often makes finding traditional employment particularly challenging. Now in the proof-of-concept stage, the twoyear pilot program is already delivering excellent results for Kirk Allen, a 56-year-old with autism and mild intellectual disability who has been working at The Cookie Element in Yorba Linda since January 2024. “There’s a transformation, even in how someone walks, when they have purpose,” said Goodwill’s Diana Nevarez, Program Manager II, commenting on the role that meaningful work can have on all aspects of a person’s life. “You see that in Kirk.” A space, geography and military buff, Kirk’s previous job included janitorial work at a military base, which he loved. However, he lost that job during the pandemic and struggled to find work for two years before this program became available. “If you provide the right support, anybody can be successful working.” Among the intensive program’s employment supports were very person-centered job readiness components such as ensuring Kirk had appropriate attire for the job, including nonslip shoes, as well as a focus on personal grooming
With intensive support from his Goodwill job coach, Kirk has been very successful at his job. Cont. on Page 7
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