Meaningful Employment: The Journey of Hope’s Longtime Client Dominic

Dominic is one of Hope Services’ longest standing clients, having been an early student at the schoolhouse founded by a group of determined parents of children with developmental disabilities almost 70 years ago. Born with cleft palate and diagnosed with spinal meningitis at the age of three, Dominic came to Hope Services to help him get the best start at life.

He was enrolled in Hope’s school at five years old and received support from numerous programs over the years. His community of specialists gradually helped him overcome speech challenges due to his cleft palate, for which he had two surgeries during his early life.

After aging out of secondary education and entering adulthood, Dominic worked with Hope Services’ job coaches to learn necessary work and life skills. Through Hope’s Employment Workshop and several successful job placements, Dominic has built up a resume, a growing skillset and greater confidence in himself.

This year, Dominic celebrated one of his biggest milestones to date: 25 years of employment with Specialized Bicycles, Inc. And it’s been 25 years of meaningful work and friendly co-workers that have enriched Dominic’s quality of life beyond measure. He routinely wakes at 4:00 a.m., takes VTA transport to his worksite and arrives early enough to enjoy his morning coffee and read the paper before starting his shift. If he had it his way, Dominic would never choose to retire.

As Hope Services celebrates its 70th anniversary, Dominic reminds us why we started and why our mission still matters. Employment is more than a job for many, including the people we serve. It is a place in the community, a productive and creative outlet and a badge of honor that represents the hard work it took to get there. And it’s an opportunity that every individual deserves to have.

You can impact Dominic and others who benefit from services that enable them to live fulfilling lives and feel pride in their achievements. Contact development@hopeservices.org to learn about how you can ensure that Hope Services’ clients continue to be lifted up.