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Lexington Student Achieves Success In The Work Force | www.qgazette.com | Queens Gazette
The Panera Bread restaurant of Little Neck is honoring deaf employee Darryl Jennings as associate of the month, in recognition of his superior job performance.
The honor comes on the one-year anniversary of his employment with Panera. Jennings was introduced to Panera Bread by Lexington Center for the Deaf Vocational Services and has since proven that, despite his disability, he is an excellent employee and team member.
“Darryl is a superior employee and everyone loves working with him. Our experience with Darryl has been so rewarding that we have hired two additional employees through Lexington to staff a new store we are opening soon,” Larry Improte, manager at Panera in Little Neck said.
Being deaf has led Jennings to have a different experience working at the restaurant than his co-workers. Together with the rest of the Panera team, Jennings has learned to accept and take advantage of his abilities instead of focusing on his disabilities. The hands on gradual training he received with the presence of an on-site job coach provided by Lexington to facilitate communication has allowed Jennings to learn, retain and perform his job duties in food preparation and kitchen maintenance with excellence, resulting in his recognition as associate of the month.
Jennings’ hard work has been recognized not just by the Little Neck Panera but also by owner/franchisee Doherty Enterprises. In a letter of congratulations Vice President of Operations Greg George said, “Your continued support of our mission to wow every guest, every time is what will continue to make you and our company successful now and in the future.”
In appreciation for Jennings outstanding service, he received a certificate of distinction, a $50.00 cash prize and a gift certificate for two at any Doherty Enterprises restaurant.
Lexington Vocational Services is an affiliate of the Lexington School for the Deaf, the largest school for the deaf and hearing-impaired in the state. Lexington places hundreds of deaf workers in jobs throughout the major metropolitan area, providing a full range of training and on-the-job support, including American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and liaison with employers.
Engaging companies to hire deaf workers and enabling them to integrate deaf employees into the workplace is a key focus of Lexington’s programs. Currently, nearly 340 companies in the city and the surrounding area employ deaf workers trained and placed by Lexington.
Employers wishing more information about Lexington Center for the Deaf Vocational Services may contact Adele Agin at 718-350-3110 or aagin@lexnyc.org.
The Panera Bread restaurant of Little Neck is honoring deaf employee Darryl Jennings as associate of the month, in recognition of his superior job performance.
The honor comes on the one-year anniversary of his employment with Panera. Jennings was introduced to Panera Bread by Lexington Center for the Deaf Vocational Services and has since proven that, despite his disability, he is an excellent employee and team member.
“Darryl is a superior employee and everyone loves working with him. Our experience with Darryl has been so rewarding that we have hired two additional employees through Lexington to staff a new store we are opening soon,” Larry Improte, manager at Panera in Little Neck said.
Being deaf has led Jennings to have a different experience working at the restaurant than his co-workers. Together with the rest of the Panera team, Jennings has learned to accept and take advantage of his abilities instead of focusing on his disabilities. The hands on gradual training he received with the presence of an on-site job coach provided by Lexington to facilitate communication has allowed Jennings to learn, retain and perform his job duties in food preparation and kitchen maintenance with excellence, resulting in his recognition as associate of the month.
Jennings’ hard work has been recognized not just by the Little Neck Panera but also by owner/franchisee Doherty Enterprises. In a letter of congratulations Vice President of Operations Greg George said, “Your continued support of our mission to wow every guest, every time is what will continue to make you and our company successful now and in the future.”
In appreciation for Jennings outstanding service, he received a certificate of distinction, a $50.00 cash prize and a gift certificate for two at any Doherty Enterprises restaurant.
Lexington Vocational Services is an affiliate of the Lexington School for the Deaf, the largest school for the deaf and hearing-impaired in the state. Lexington places hundreds of deaf workers in jobs throughout the major metropolitan area, providing a full range of training and on-the-job support, including American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and liaison with employers.
Engaging companies to hire deaf workers and enabling them to integrate deaf employees into the workplace is a key focus of Lexington’s programs. Currently, nearly 340 companies in the city and the surrounding area employ deaf workers trained and placed by Lexington.
Employers wishing more information about Lexington Center for the Deaf Vocational Services may contact Adele Agin at 718-350-3110 or aagin@lexnyc.org.