Benjamin Woolf was in one of the first internships within the program. When you meet him, you’re greeted with a warm smile and can-do attitude. In his first days in Good Foods Grocery, he was buzzing with excitement and nervousness.
Throughout his internship, his confidence soared as he learned soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving as well as hard skills like stocking, dishwashing, and working the register.
Working on a Team at Natalie’s- A Taste of Lebanon
“I’m more open now, I think. I’ve got new friends.”
Benjamin Woolf, Graduate of the Career Readiness and Employment Program
The transformation in Benjamin as he began working at Natalie’s- A Taste of Lebanon, a Lebanese restaurant in Bon Air, has been remarkable. His coworkers, supervisors, and customers have shared heartwarming stories about their experiences with him in the kitchen.
Manager at Natalie’s Lebanese Restaurant, Natalie Schwartz, expressed:
“Ben is really nice. I love working with him. He’s grown so much; he now communicates with everyone and takes on all his responsibilities, doing a fantastic job.”
Gaining Independence and Confidence Through Work
“Ben is completely independent now. He is able to follow the recipes, complete all of the steps, check-in with managers when he is unsure of what to do next, and is just completely independently employed. He’s so much fun to be around.”
Bradley Stabler, Job Coach for the Career Readiness and Employment Program
It’s clear that Ben’s journey through the Career Readiness and Employment Program has not only equipped him with valuable skills but also fostered meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging. His story is a testament to the power of opportunity and the transformative impact of a supportive community. As Ben continues to thrive at Natalie’s, there’s no doubt that his future is bright, filled with promise and potential.
