‘Motivated to provide:’ Arc of Monroe spotlights National Disability Employment Awareness Month

SPENCERPORT, N.Y. (WROC) – October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Here at home, the Arc of Monroe is spotlighting a program that has made a major difference in connecting people of all abilities with regular work.

When one walks into Texas BBQ Joint on Spencerport’s South Union Street, the smell of the food is instantaneous. But inside, there’s so much more.

“There’s a lot of people that I like to see and they’re fun to work with. I call them a family,” said Micah Reem, who works at Texas BBQ Joint.

“As Micah said, we’re all like a family. We all work together and we try to just, all around, it’s teamwork,” said Zachery Roloson, who also works at Texas BBQ Joint.

Micah and Zachery have made quite the team behind the counter of the restaurant.

Thanks to the Arc of Monroe, they were able to find work, and not just any kind of work. They found the right fit.

“It seemed like it was going to be a very difficult challenge for me at first, not knowing if I was going to get a job. So, I ended up fighting pretty hard during the time. I’ve worked here for almost 10 years. It’s been quite an interesting experience to have,” said Roloson.

The Arc of Monroe works with over 200 businesses in Monroe County, connecting folks of all abilities with the right opportunities.

“We’re looking for the job that participants love getting up and going to, but also we’re looking for that win-win where the business also gets some of that magic out of it, too,” said Luke Mayo, business relations director for JobPath with the Arc of Monroe.

The growing network has opened the door for hundreds of people, helping to make a difference in our community.

“We are really motivated to provide an opportunity for adults with disabilities to find a place in the workplace where they can have a spot in this world, which is somehow affecting the feel they have in life and the self-esteem they carry home with them,” said Dan Goodison, general manager of Texas BBQ Joint.

“I get up. I take care of what I have to take care of, and I get here and just try to put a smile on my face despite if I have a good or bad day. It’s good to work here. It really is,” said Roloson.

Leaders with the Arc of Monroe say the best thing people can do to help continue the success of this program is to let the organization know about a business that might be willing to take part through JobPath.

For more resources and ways to reach the Arc of Monroe, click here .

Rochester Area Employment Network will hold a Business Recognition Event featuring networking opportunities with various agencies, including the Arc of Monroe, on October 24 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Kodak Center.

Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP by October 18 to Jennifer Geiger at jennifer.geiger@nysed.gov.

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