Brenda began Greater Cincinnati Behavioral (GCB) Health's Links program in June of 2004.

When she met GCB's MR/DD Specialist, Maria Disbennett, Brenda hadn't worked for over three years.  More than anything else, Brenda wanted a job to help pay bills.

With Maria's help, Brenda moved to a new apartment and got a job at a McDonalds within walking distance of her apartment.   As a Food Preparation Worker, Brenda starts her shift at 7a.m. She has never been late and is known to volunteer to work beyond her shift to help co-workers.

Brenda feels the job is a perfect fit for her, as she loves to cook and clean.  She especially likes to use the automatic dishwasher because her job gets done so quickly.

After more than three and a-half years at McDonalds, Brenda has gained confidence in her work skills and receives good performance evaluations. She has developed positive relationships with co-workers and managers with the on-going support of her Service Facilitator, Julianne Franklin, and her GCB Job Coach, Kristin Koening.

"I like when my job coach comes and checks up on me to make sure I am doing okay and things at work are going well," Brenda said,   "She gives me good advice on how to improve my accuracy and efficiency with my job tasks."

Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services is a contract agency of the Hamilton County Board of MR/DD.  Information about GCB's LINKS program can be obtained by e-mailing Maria Disbennett or her calling at 354-7065.

Last Updated: 11/3/2009 4:54:06 PM