At Work Opportunities Unlimited (WOU), we work with businesses to develop job opportunities that break down barriers to employment for our clients. The Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, FL is a location that WOU has successfully partnered with for many years, and recently Roger Dean Stadium’s Fan Services Manager, Don Mackay (also known by many as Coach Mac) reached out to WOU to share a story he wrote that was inserted into the stadium program. We think it’s a great write-up, and we’re pleased to share Coach Mac’s submission here:
If you’ve attended a game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, you’ve probably been greeted by a young man in a wheel chair. Through his adaptive audio device, he greets every fan, “Welcome to Roger Dean Stadium”. He then advises them to have their bags open for inspection and to have their tickets ready.
The greeting has been offered many times since Keith Greiser started working in 2017. He works both Spring Training and Florida State League games.
Once you’ve passed Keith, you’ve probably had either Sam Rosken or Evan Sussman scan your ticket so that you can proceed to your seats. As with Keith, both Sam and Evan are confined to wheelchairs due to cerebral palsy which affects the musculosketal system.
Keith and Sam are part of an alliance between the Stadium and Work Opportunities Unlimited, an organization that helps people with disabilities, find employment.
In 2017, Susan Scaperotto, a Career Resource Specialist for WOU approached Director of Operations, Alex Inman, knowing of Keith’s love of sports. After meeting Keith, Alex thought that Keith would be a good candidate as a greeter at one of the gates. Keith’s been their ever since. Many of the fans enjoy seeing him and often offer him a hi-five as they pass by. He has many expressions implanted on his computer and can actually carry on a conversation.
He’s very determined in every way and has become a big asset to help with the operation of the ballpark. His determination was highlighted when, without his parents knowledge, and the great support of a physical therapist who worked with him while he was in high school, he was fitted with a walker that allowed him to walk across the stage to receive his diploma.
He’s a huge sports fan who is anxiously awaiting the start of the football season, so he can root for his Los Angeles Rams. Once the NBA season starts, he jumps on the Golden State Warriors train. Although he’s a baseball fan, the Rams and Warriors may be his first love.
Sam just started working at the Stadium this year during Spring training. Once he mastered the art of scanning tickets, he was able to allow fans to access the the Stadium. With Keith’s success and his love for sports also, he followed Keith to the Stadium and it became a dream job for him. As he’s become more adept at using the scanner, his confidence has grown.
Although Evan is not directly linked to WOU at this time, he’s also become a big asset to the Stadium as a ticket scanner. He loves baseball so much that after completing his shift, he can be found in a handicapped seat watching a game. He’s also been known to come to the ballpark on his days off, just to watch a game.
Just as with Keith, the fans and fellow employees enjoy being with them and help whenever they’re needed. If there’s a problem with a scanner fellow employees always jump in to help.
Another employee that many fans come into contact with is Zach Hoffman. If you’ve been on the jumbo screen, it’s probably Zach who was behind the camera. He hasn’t let his challenges with autism stop him from becoming a vital part of the Roger Dean family. He also handles the music for the games, which he also enjoys.
Although he’s also worked as a batboy during his 3 years of working, he much prefers being behind the camera or playing music. Neither job was easy for him at the start, but as he gained experience in both areas, he became more confident.
He wouldn’t mind working the pitch clock if given the opportunity. With more confidence he’s willing to take on new tasks, like the pitch clock. During the day he’s a student at FAU.
Another employee with disabilities that you many have not met is Parker Cain, who works at Gate C during Spring Training and has had the position for many years. He does a very thorough job of checking bags as fans enter through the gate.
Even Delaware North, the concession company who serves all our dietary needs has a young woman, Lindsay, who has worked at Spring Training for many years. She has a major job keeping the counters with condiments clean. With 4, 5, 6,000 or more it’s a large responsibility.
With the success of these employees, Susan has a young lady lined up to join the Roger Dean Chevrolet family next year.
