Grace has always been clear about what she wants. “I want to work in a kitchen,” she shares. More specifically, she wanted a job where she could cut fruits and vegetables, doing hands-on work that keeps her moving and learning. With support from Albertina Kerr’s Supported Employment Services, Grace turned that goal into reality.
Today, Grace works at Element Hotel, where her days are full and varied. She washes dishes, chops fruits and vegetables, bakes muffins, labels and organizes food, and helps run a breakfast shift. She also enjoys interacting with guests and working alongside her coworkers, especially on weekends, which she says she really likes. And yes, the tips are a bonus. 
Grace receives job-coaching support from Morgan Montoya, a Kerr Employment Consultant, who has worked with Grace for nearly a year. Together, they practiced interview skills, job tasks, and social skills, covering everything from preparing meals and taking orders to greeting coworkers with a smile and using an inside voice. That preparation paid off.
“Grace has learned so much,” Morgan says. “It’s been amazing to see how quickly she’s picked up hotel service standards. With time and practice, we’ve also found ways for Grace to connect and communicate with her coworkers.”
Grace also isn’t afraid to get messy. Whether she’s taking out the garbage or sorting through a giant box of oranges to remove the ones that have gone bad, she approaches every task with focus and a positive attitude. Her manager has taken notice, sharing how impressed they are with her work ethic and enthusiasm.
Beyond the kitchen, this job has opened new doors for Grace. She’s met new people, built confidence, and is working toward a goal that’s especially meaningful to her: saving up for a trip to Disneyland. Travel is something Grace enjoys, and steady employment is helping make that dream possible.
When asked what she wants others to know, Grace keeps it simple and direct: Kerr helps people find jobs—and helped her find a good one.