Morning Moments: Getting Ready for Success.

Allison (pictured) wakes up with a big stretch. It’s a workday, and she’s ready to start her morning routine. She lives with her mom, dad, and their cat, Duke, in Bend, Oregon, where she receives employment supports through Albertina Kerr.

Right now, Allison is in employment training. Her internship gives her a chance to practice job skills, build relationships with colleagues, and gain work experience in a supportive environment. If she chooses, her next step could be an individual job in the community.

Allison and her dad prepare breakfast together—today, it’s cereal with lots of fruit. After breakfast, she spends time on the treadmill. Since Allison has some challenges with balance and mobility, getting in some exercise helps her warm up before heading to work.

It’s time for Allison to get dressed for her shift. She pulls on her favorite Harry Potter sweater and puts on her name tag. Once she’s ready, her dad gives her a ride to her job, and she starts her shift at the Tower Theatre.

Time for Work: Building Independence.

Allison meets Albertina Kerr job coach, Julianne, at the Tower Theatre—a historic performing arts venue in downtown Bend. For Allison, this job couldn’t be more perfect; she’s a lifelong theater fan who even acts in her free time. She’s gearing up to take the stage in February, performing in Annie!

Once inside, Allison greets her coworkers and chats with her supervisor, Anita, who is catching up on the past week. Allison’s family has been involved with the theater for years, so familiar faces surround her. Next month, Allison will celebrate her first work anniversary!

Allison dives into her tasks: cleaning the lobby’s display cases, polishing the Art Deco pillars and handrails, and tidying up the auditorium seats and sometimes the concessions stand. When the weather’s pleasant, Allison and Julianne stroll downtown, hanging posters for upcoming performances.

Julianne, her job coach, plays an essential role in helping Allison stay on task and ensures her safety, especially since she sometimes faces challenges with balance. Over the past year, Julianne has watched Allison blossom—becoming more confident and independent. She now completes her work so quickly that she often takes on extra tasks!

After Work: A Sweet Ending to the Day!

Allison’s dad picks her up from the theater after a productive day. They swing by the bakery down the street for her favorite treat—a lemon cupcake and coffee. Today is extra special; it’s her dad’s birthday, so they grab a cherry pie to celebrate with the family.

At home, Allison relaxes with her cat, Duke, and enjoys a few episodes of Glee. She spends the evening surrounded by family, sharing the cherry pie she helped pick out.

Most evenings, you’ll find Allison rehearsing with her theater company or singing and dancing for fun. Her job at the Tower Theatre has opened the door to opportunities aligning with her passions, helping her build skills and confidence.

Allison has formed a strong bond with Julianne, her job coach from Albertina Kerr; they even have a secret handshake. Over the past year, Julianne has seen Allison’s incredible growth, from mastering her work routines to confidently advocating for her needs.

“Getting Allison more involved in the theater has been fun to watch because she has a passion for it,” says Julianne.