County board of developmental disabilities recognizes Lisbon Italo’s

LISBON - Earlier this year, the recently re-opened Italo's welcomed Erica Wolfe as a new employee. The process for hiring her was a team effort, from the referral made by the Columbiana County Board of DD to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, to her chosen Job Development provider at Careworks. In just a few short months, Wolfe has become part of the Italo's team as well as part of the Italo's family.

Careworks Vocational Specialist Michele Ericson was helping Wolfe find a job and knew that Italo's was going to open. At Ericson's urging, Wolfe and her mother, Tish Wolfe, took the initiative to stop by Italo's to apply and interview, and Wolfe was offered the job as a dishwasher. Ericson has been by her side as a job coach to provide on-the-job learning.

Wolfe works as a dishwasher but she does many things beyond that, including making boxes, cleaning the dining room and keeping her area clean and organized.

"They are very much a team atmosphere in the kitchen, so if there is down time with dishes, she can jump in with other things," Ericson said.

Ericson has recently stepped away from her job as a coach, giving credit to Italo's for going above and beyond for their employees. "Italo's has been a community leader at embracing their employees and their needs," she said. "They are very open to the supports that might be needed for Erica to be successful as a long-term employee."

Italo's manager Jessica Coil described Wolfe as "part of the family now." She said she is hard working and fits in with the other employees who are always happy to see her.

"She's a great employee. She always comes in when scheduled, she's very pleasant to be around and she takes initiative to do things on her own," Coil said. "She's never called off, she's punctual and she's always happy spirited!"

Wolfe previously worked at Mountaineer Racetrack and Golf Course as a dishwasher. But she was looking for a job closer to home. "I love my job. I love the way they call me when they need me. If they are backed up, they call me," she said, adding that if they ask, she comes in.

The Columbiana County Board of Developmental Disabilities refers clients who are seeking employment to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, the state-mandated program for people with disabilities who would like to find community employment. Individuals can choose to work with a number of area providers who assist individuals with developmental disabilities in finding rewarding jobs. The Board provides long term follow-along/supportive services to ensure continued success.

CCBDD is always seeking businesses who are interested in learning more about their employment programs. For more information, those interested may call 330-424-7788.