BY Kylee Purtee and Justin Cluck
RTC Industries
It’s a smell we are all too familiar with. That bold pungent aroma of butter mixed with salt and the undeniable sound of popping from the popcorn machine.
It’s a hallmark of almost all movie theaters and a staple for most who enjoy the pastime of seeing a new cinematic release at the theater. For one local teen, it’s the consistent reminder of his dream job.
This is a story about how dreams come true, at least for Nick they did. Thanks to a collaboration between RTC’s RISE program (funded by the Logan County Board of DD), Bellefontaine High School, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, and Nick and his family, Nick’s dream job became a reality.
Last summer while working with RTC during his Pre-ETS services, it was determined that Nick’s one and only dream job was to work at the movie theater. He also showed interest in being a lifeguard at the pool, but the movie theater was the pinnacle of Nick’s desire when it came to a job.
As summer ended and he transitioned back into school, Nick’s transition specialist from RTC’s RISE program began working with him one-on-one doing some job readiness and social skills training. Together they worked up the courage to put in an application for the movie theater, Bellefontaine 8 Cinema to begin the steps towards Nick’s dream job.
After completing the application together, Nick then had his mom take him to turn in the application.
He was later called for an interview. Nick’s transition specialist, Brett, was able to assist him in preparing for the interview and provide support during the interview.
Nick was offered the position and the collaboration of supports continued. OOD assisted by authorizing On the Job Supports – Job Coaching to RTC so Brett could then assist Nick at his job with learning his tasks, the environment, his coworkers, and his expectations. Since starting at the movie theater, Nick has continued to improve in his independence at work and job coaching has been able to fade.
Nick is a great example of turning your dreams into reality by setting goals and having the supports in place to help you reach those goals!