STEP Individuals Receive Awards at the Arc Detroit's 55th Legacy Awards BanquetMay 19, 2006 Congratulations to Kentucky Fried Chicken, the 2006 recipient of the Employer of the Year Award, represented by Dunston Brooks, Region Coach for the KFC Great Lakes Region.KFC Great Lakes Region truly recognizes the benefits of cultural diversity in the composition of its workforce. Last summer, four persons with developmental disabilities were hired at four of their restaurants. All four are still working. Anthony Tye states that his managers and fellow staff “treat me with respect, and I treat them and the customers with respect”. KFC Great Lakes Region in Michigan represents 48 restaurants totaling $51 million in net sales and includes 17 multi-brand and 31 inner city stores in Detroit. The Great Lakes Region has worked closely with Services To Enhance Potential (STEP) to hire persons with developmental disabilities. They have hired three more persons this month and continue to interview more.
Hank Johnson, Executive Director Arc Detroit and Hansen Clarke, State Senator presenting the Employer of the Year Award to Dunston Brooks, KFC.
Anthony Tye, Margie Campbell, and Dunston Brooks enjoy a moment before dinner.
*******************************************************************The recipients of this year's Bill Sackter Inspiration Award are Ceretta Willis and James Wesley, inspiring example of persons with developmental and other disabilities managing their personal lives, participating in their community, fulfilling meaningful social roles, and practicing self determination.
State Senator Martha Scott and James Wesley look on as Ceretta Willis acknowledges persons in the audience who have worked with the couple to make their dreams come true.
Cereta and James met in 1996 at Zatkoff Industries, a Services To Enhance Potential contracted worksite. They have been dating ever since, well known for their affection for each other as well as their matching outfits. Both have acquired impressive resumes, having worked successfully at several community jobs. Despite her visual limitations Ceretta is well known for her excellent work ethic and high production rates. James also has a great work ethic, many abilities, and a desire to have a full time janitorial position with benefits so he can be fully self sufficient. Ceretta and James became engaged on Christmas Eve of 2001. One of their biggest dreams was to move into a townhouse together. In September of 2004 they did just that, a beautiful townhouse in a newly developed community in downtown Detroit. More than just a place to live, for them it symbolizes pride, success, accomplishment, and cherished independence. They have purchased a new living room set and are now saving their money to purchase a new dining room set. Ceretta and James are active members of The Arc Detroit where they serve on the Advocacy Rights Council, a self advocacy group made up of, and entirely run by consumers. They are active in “Hancock Happenings” where they participate in dances and many other social activities. They have participated in focus groups sponsored by the Wayne State University Institute for Developmental Disabilities. They advocate for themselves and others with disabilities by participating in public forums and giving testimony at the State of Michigan Legislature & Detroit City Council meetings. Ceretta has taken computer and budgeting classes in a community based program. James would like to obtain a driver’s license. We recognize and celebrate the determination and accomplishments of this wonderful couple, wishing them continued success and fulfillment!
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