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Woman is a Reliable Worker

TALLAHASSEE, FL - For more than 15 years, Jackie Scarpine has taken the bus to the Olive Garden on Apalachee Parkway to work. The woman, who has a disability, is dedicated to her job as a silverware roller. Scarpine folds the green linen napkins wrapping the silverware inside. She puts together over 200 sets of utensils a day in preparation for the dinner crowd. She also helps with the salad preparation and cleans up the restaurant when needed. She has become a fixture in the kitchen, so much so, the employees had a celebration for her.

"They had a party at work for my anniversary and I got a necklace for being there 15 years," said Scarpine. She also received a pin with 3 diamonds in it, one for each five years of service.

Culinary Manager Christine Dichio said, "Jackie is very passionate about her job. When she finds a dirty fork, she makes sure the dishwasher knows about it. We know she won't let something below our standards go out to customers. She is very pleasant to work with and gets along with everyone on staff."

October is Disability Employment Awareness Month. Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) is highlighting the contributions of people with disabilities to their community.

APD provides Scarpine with assistance through the Developmental Disabilities Medicaid waiver, such as transportation, supported employment, and supported living services.

Dichio said, "I attribute this lasting relationship to our company's motto 'When you're here, you're family.' Jackie feels she has a family here and knows that if she needs something, the management team will take care of her. We want our employees to be happy and when we have some that stay for 15 years, we must be doing something right."

Scarpine says, "I like my job and I have new friends that work with me. I also enjoy getting paid every Friday and taking the money to the bank."

Scarpine lives in her own apartment near the Tallahassee Mall with a roommate. She says the convenient location makes it easier for her to be independent.

The agency currently serves about 35,000 Floridians with developmental disabilities of mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and Prader-Willi syndrome. For more information on the agency, call 1-866-APD-CARES or visit www.apd.myflorida.com.

CAPTION FOR PHOTO---Jackie Scarpine on right.