After being unemployed for almost two years, Shirley Begay was looking for permanent employment when she had contact with Brett Owen and the Employment Connection Program through Southeastern Behavioral Care in Sioux Falls. Brett introduced her to the owners of Camille’s Sidewalk Café. Because of Shirley’s prior work experience in the food service industry, she was able to fit right into the work environment of the Café. She was hired to work at Camille’s approximately three years ago and works 25 to 30 hours a week. Her duties at Camille’s are salad prep work, washing dishes and helping as needed in other areas.

Shirley said money isn’t the only motivation for her to work. Her employment at Camille’s is her “dream job”. She loves to work in the kitchen and likes to be involved in the salad making. Shirley said being employed means a lot to her. She is getting out and socializing with co- workers and customers while doing something worthwhile. Her job has helped her make a complete turnaround and has given her the happiest days of her life. She hopes to remain employed at Camille’s for a long time.

In order to become employed and stay employed, Shirley credits the supports that she utilizes. She has her own car and can drive to work which she sees as a real plus. She receives medication support through Southeastern Behavioral Care and sees a counselor once a week. She is able to maintain her healthcare coverage through Medicare. Also important to Shirley is the positive support she receives from her supervisors at the restaurant. According to Shirley the management team is very professional and provides all employees with fair treatment.

To those looking for employment, Shirley suggests putting together a resume. She also recommends finding something that you like to do and taking classes to help get experience in your chosen line of work. The main thing according to Shirley is not to give up on looking for a job.

Shirley suggests that employers should take a look at Camille’s to find out why employing a person with a disability is a good idea and what it has done for business at Camille’s.  Employers should take this into consideration when they are interviewing and hiring people to work in their business. “People with disabilities deserve a chance”, Shirley states.