Michael (Mikey) began his work experience at Long Island Select Care (LISH) on March 3, 2021.

A leader on Long Island in providing state of the art health care to a neurodiverse community, LISH reached out to the Winters Center to provide job training opportunities for participants from the center.

As a participant of the Winters Center for Autism’s Work Experience Program, Mikey receives training in a multitude of vocational disciplines. From clerical work, of which he will tell you that shredding is his favorite task, to watering plants, as well as folding, sorting, taking inventory and stocking linens, Mikey completes each of these tasks flawlessly, and in a timely manner. Since the beginning of his tenure at LISH Mikey’s goals were to be both a member of his work community, as well as a paid employee.

​Through the kindness of his coworkers at LISH which include Debbie, Doreen, Jessy, Carlie and so many more, Mikey achieved his coworker goal by leaps and bounds! As for the paid employment objective, it is with extreme pride that we share Mikey began his paid employment at LISH during the month of September. From the start of the onboarding process, to receiving his LISH employee badge, to his first paycheck, Mikey experienced all aspects of being hired as a LISH employee.
 
For many people the purchase after a first paycheck can be a memorable one. So, what is Mikey going to do with his first paycheck?  Mikey’s emphatic response to this question was “[I am] Going to the bank, [then to] Wendy’s.” When he was asked what he would order, without hesitation he replied, “French Fries!”
 
Michael’s accomplishments could not have come to fruition without the support and opportunities provided by LISH. “Hire for a Higher Purpose” aligns with Chief Executive Officer of Long Island Select Healthcare, Dr. James Powell’s, vision for his organization. As the catalyst in bringing the Winters Center for Autism program to LISH, Dr. Powell explains the importance of Michael’s achievements.  “We are so excited to see how our relationship with the Winters Center for Autism has grown.  The vision of LISH is to transform healthcare by bringing communities and resources together to help individuals reach their fullest potential. Employing these young adults is an important part of our purpose.  We look forward to expanding this to all our sites.  Keep up the great work Mikey!” Janet Pepper, LISH Chief Operation Officer, echoes similar sentiment.  “LISH is truly blessed to have such a dedicated staff member as Mikey, he is an inspiration to all of the LISH employees. We are so happy to have him on our team."
 
As new businesses join the mission to “Hire for a Higher Purpose”, we will reduce the staggering unemployment rate for adults with autism while strengthening our Long Island workforce.
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We thank LISH for their support and offer any business on Long Island the opportunity to work with us by contacting the center at 631-635-1169.