Matthew joined Art & Clay on Main as an intern through the program at Lancaster High School. During his internship, Matthew enjoyed the hands-on experience of working in both the coffee shop and the pottery studio. He appreciated the opportunity to learn about the different aspects of the business, from working with painters to maintaining the public spaces at Art and Clay

After graduating, Matthew knew he wanted to continue in his position at Art & Clay. He felt a strong connection to the business and the people, and he was eager to stay involved in the work he had come to enjoy. He took the initiative to learn about the interview process and went through each step, eventually securing the position.

Now, as an employee, Matthew has an important role in the operation of Art & Clay, keeping the work areas in the coffee shop clean and ensuring the art supplies area is well organized. He also maintains the seating area to ensure it stays clean and accessible for customers. His attention to detail and commitment to a welcoming environment have made him a valuable member of the team.

Matthew’s story shows how internships can be a steppingstone to finding your passions and setting up a career. Through hard work and trying new things, he not only secured a permanent position but also has made friends, learned new skills, and is looking forward to growing more as an employee at Art & Clay.
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Dogs become part of the family, and for the Barber family, it is no different. When Ryan was younger, he didn’t like being very social and enjoyed spending time alone, but he always hoped for a dog. He wanted the companionship it would provide. Ryan’s mom, Linda, began the search, knowing it would help develop responsibility and independence as he cared for a pet.

While looking, Linda came across a dog named Cooper. He had been in a shelter for a while, and when deemed unadoptable, he was temporarily adopted at the Ross County Correctional Institute as part of the prison puppy training program. Handlers trained the puppy in obedience skills while also developing their own dog training, adaptability, and communication skills that will support their transition as they enter the workforce.

Ryan and Linda remember going to meet Cooper for the first time. Ryan was the first to see him as he came down the hall. Cooper was one year old at the time, and he immediately jumped onto Ryan, knocking him over and showering him with licks. Ryan could tell Cooper was so happy and excited to go home with them. He said it was the best early Christmas gift. 

Ryan describes Cooper as a “people person,” and anyone who meets him can tell he just loves them. Ryan and Cooper have built a strong bond, and he states Cooper is like a brother to him. Now that Ryan is living in an apartment with a roommate, Cooper stays at his family home and even though Ryan is working, going to the gym, and living on his own, he makes time to visit Cooper every day.

Nine years later, Cooper gives him the same loving, enthusiastic greeting every single day. They sit together, hang out, and watch TV—just like all good brothers do.

Dusty has been around racing most of his life.  He remembers going to watch his dad drive a late-model stock car at an early age.  His interest in racing has continued to grow.  Now, he is part of a crew of 3 who travel around the state racing in places such as Atomic Speedway in Chillicothe and Midway Speedway in Crooksville with the hopes of going as far as St. Louis next year.  The weekends are spent at the track or preparing the car.  Dirt track racing requires lots of upkeep before the next race.  His favorite part of racing?  Dusty just likes being around all the cars.

Dusty’s weekdays are busy too!  Living in Lancaster but commuting to Columbus, Dusty works full time at the DSW Distribution Center near Port Columbus.  He spends his day unloading goods from shipping containers but has been cross-trained in a variety of other roles within the warehouse.  Dusty has made some good friends through his job, even one who goes to races with him.  He has goals though.  Dusty likes learning and trying new roles.  He often lets his supervisor know that he wants to try new tasks.  Dusty has worked at DSW for more than 6 years, but he may eventually want a change. He hopes to explore construction next.

Dusty’s hard work pays off.  He is making payments on his own house and doing all the upkeep associated with it. Living alone has its perks.  Dusty likes the chance to relax and has met some great neighbors.  He also uses his paycheck for some fun.  Dusty is a huge country music fan and enjoys going to concerts with friends to hear the performers live.  When he isn’t at work, racing, or listening to music, you can find him talking about racing with his dad or friends.  Together they talk about how to improve the race time, the car, or even his life.

For golfers, this summer’s dry weather has been perfect.  Devon Fox has been taking advantage of the unending sunshine to hit some balls.  Going to the course regularly wasn’t always something he did.  Devon has worked hard to make changes and set new goals for himself and for what he wants in his life. 

Devon worked with his team to start a new job and took responsibility to use his earnings and pay off debt that he had accrued.  Now, Devon is saving part of each paycheck, banking it into a new account earmarked for a beach vacation.  He currently has an apartment with a few roommates.  He is busy calling and touring open places as he searches for an apartment of his own.  

Golfing isn’t Devon’s only interest.  He also is an avid video gamer who likes to connect with players all over to compete. He used his first paycheck from his job to buy a new game, which he quickly mastered, and is currently saving for a new gaming system.  Devon also likes to swim and practices at the YMCA in Lancaster.  When looking at his budget, he wasn’t sure if he could make the membership at the Y work.  He chose to adjust his fast-food spending to cover his membership.  

Devon was linked with Starfire, a Fairfield DD community partner from Cincinnati, to utilize their community inclusion grant funds to expand his social network around his interests and desires. For Devon, these funds allow him additional rounds of golf as he develops his skills and build relationships.  Right now, he enjoys playing the Pumpkin Vine Golf Course and would eventually like to be part of a golf league.  For now, he will keep on this path to success (and a hole-in-one).

In today's workforce, longevity and dedication are traits that deserve celebration. Ryan Simmons recently marked a significant milestone: 10 years of employment with a single brand. A colleague who knows Ryan remarks
"10 years of employment is a great achievement in our industry, especially with one Brand and at the same location. Ryan is a rock star and is a great team player.”

Ryan's journey is not defined solely by his professional accomplishments. Outside of work, he leads a dynamic life, participating in activities such as the swim team and bowling. His enthusiasm doesn't stop there—he has expressed interest in returning to basketball, a sport where he previously held the title of State Champion before retirement.

Ryan's story goes beyond work ethic and longevity. It includes the spirit of resilience, passion, and the power of community support. His achievements stand as a testament to the possibilities that unfold then individuals are empowered to pursue their dreams. Cheers to Ryan and many more years of success ahead!

Teresa Hall loves art and painting. In her workroom, her landscapes hang on many of the walls. 

A few years ago, when Teresa learned she was losing sight in her right eye, she was determined to do what she could to maintain her hobbies and her independence. She is meeting this goal with the help of technology. 

Teresa uses many different devices throughout the day. She speaks to Alexa to turn on and off her lights using smart lightbulbs. When using her laptop, she has raised physical buttons and a computer program to help her navigate.

The program enlarges and simplifies the text and can also read it aloud. It helps her do everything from electronic banking to Amazon shopping. Teresa downloads audiobooks so she can continue to read. At the end of the month, when her rent is due, she uses a 3-D printed signature guide model to help her sign checks allowing her to maintain her financial privacy.

Due to mobility and sight issues, Teresa has someone in her apartment to assist, but she wanted some privacy and alone time. She now uses remote support 4-5 hours each day. She wears a monitor that senses if she falls and if she does, the company would contact her to check in or notify her emergency contact. When home alone, sensors, like sonar, are monitored by an offsite company. If the system detects something out of the ordinary, a person will speak to Teresa through the 2-way talking. If she didn’t respond, they would dispatch emergency medical staff.

Teresa uses a power wheelchair to move around her apartment building and the community when she visits friends or heads to Bible study. To ensure she can continue to do this without help, Teresa uses a sensor system attached to her wheelchair. It alerts and stops her chair if she comes near a barrier such as a wall, furniture, steps, or curbs.

Technology does have its struggles because things can become disconnected, or settings changed.  Teresa faces these challenges head-on. When asked about how she felt about all these new tools, she said that she was scared when first learning about her eyesight but continues to be amazed at all the technology now available and hopes to keep using it to allow her some alone time and her independence.

If you would like to expand your independence or help someone else through technology, but don’t know where to start, please reach out to Lori Ferbrache, Assistive Technology Coordinator, and she will be happy to assist you in the process.