Frustrated. Deflated. Discouraged. If you had asked Robert M. to describe himself four years ago, these are the words he would’ve used. Homeless and living in a 1978 Chevy van that required a lot of maintenance, Robert became increasingly frustrated with his situation in life. For over a decade he didn’t have a steady job and worked as a day laborer to make ends meet. He parked his van at a friend’s house which had no electricity or running water so he used facilities at the Daily Bread in Melbourne. He needed a chance to succeed.
After working with AARP for several years with no luck, Robert was referred to Brevard Achievement Center (BAC) through Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). Employment Coordinator Don Blair was assigned his case.
“Robert didn’t have much hope when we started working together,” said Blair. “But I knew that if given a chance, Robert could succeed.”
Things Began To Change
Because of the hardships Robert endured during the past decade, Blair recognized that Robert’s self-esteem was low and that he had lost his sense of purpose. He spent many hours with Robert teaching him proper grooming techniques, interview skills and how to improve his overall presentation. Even though Robert found two jobs thanks to his newfound self-worth, both unfortunately ended. One being more seasonal than expected while the other was due to downsizing within the company. That’s when things changed.
“Don told me that there was an opening at Kennedy Space Center to do custodial work,” Robert said. “I interviewed with Rick Ross (at BAC) and got the job.”
In fact, when he realized that KSC was an hour’s drive from where he parked his van in Melbourne, Robert didn’t let that deter him from being able to succeed. He did some research and found a van pool that could transport him to and from the Space Center for even less money than if he drove his own van.
“I feel like a new man,” said Robert. “My supervisors consistently tell me that I’m doing a good job and I feel like I have purpose again. Plus, I have money now! That’s definitely nice.”
Thanks to a steady income, Robert was able to buy a much newer van. But as much as he has cherished having shelter, he still wants to live in a home like a “normal” person. For that reason, Robert has been putting money aside to repair the mobile home he bought years ago.
Robert is a perfect example of how, when given a chance, there’s no limit to what people with disabilities can achieve.