Dining Services was among 16 employers that received the Exemplary Employer Award on behalf of the Governor's Commission on Employment of People with Disabilities. The awards were presented in a ceremony on Oct. 28 at the state house in Boston.
Riverside Industries nominated the College for the award. Riverside Industries is an organization based in Easthampton that places people with disabilities with employers and has worked with the College for over five years.
Manager of Dining Services and Student Dining Deborah Omasta-Mokrzecki said that she was proud that the College was recognized with this award.
There are currently five workers with developmental disabilities and a job coach working at Valentine Hall as part of the Riverside Industries program. Their main jobs are supporting the dish room and vacuuming.
When asked whether they enjoy working at Valentine Hall, the employees responded enthusiastically.
"I like the food and I like the money," replied Jimmy Soltys. David Marefhka added, "I like the people." Another worker remarked that she enjoyed the money, because "I can go on vacation."
Job Coach Doug Baldwin, who helps the disabled workers and deals with any problems that arise, said that they enjoy working at Valentine Hall, although "they may need a little extra support to make them feel good about themselves."
"[Disabled employees are] part of the whole team," said Omasta-Mokrzeki. "[Despite their disabilities], we don't treat them differently, they are just like our normal staff. I don't think of them as special."
"They are as much an employee of Amherst College as the rest of us are," she said. "They are invited to parties, attend meetings, even follow the dress code. They are hardworking, in fact probably more hardworking than the others, because they never complain about working. It's more than their job, it's their life."
Dining Hall Supervisor Bob Campbell said that the workers are a great asset to Valentine, especially during the busy lunch hours when there are few student workers. "They always show up, they're happy, they're thrilled to work and they contribute greatly," he said.
"They're great, they saved us," he added. "I would encourage any other employer or company to get involved in this program."
Char Gentes, director of community relations at Riverside Industries, praised Dining Services. "[The College] has gone above and beyond the reasonable accommodation laws, meaning that they work to make the situation work for people who work for Riverside," he said.
Gentes attributed the programs success to the staff. "The positive energy and attitude of [Omasta-Mokrzecki] and her staff has been instrumental in the success of the program. They have been so wonderfully creative, responsive, ingenious and helpful," Gentes said.