Work Opportunities Unlimited (WOU) provides a variety of support services to individuals with disabilities, from job placement and training to community participation activities, to help them meet their career and personal goals. WOU has had the pleasure of supporting an amazing client, Todd, for 16 years. Todd is busy volunteering, interacting with his peers, and enjoying what his community has to offer – and he’s successfully retained employment as a Maintenance Associate at Federal Jack’s, a restaurant and brewery in Kennebunk, ME, for 11 years!
Todd at Federal Jack’s, Kennebunk, ME
Todd is currently supported by Career Resource Specialist Stephen Murphy, who joined WOU’s York team in mid-2025. Stephen is onsite with Todd on Wednesdays during one of his two shifts per week at Federal Jack’s; fellow Career Resource Specialist Matt Gile supports Todd on his Friday shifts. Stephen and Matt occasionally provide verbal prompting to help Todd stay on task, but he is very proficient and needs little assistance. Todd shows up on time, grabs his supplies, and gets right to work cleaning the restaurant before it opens to customers. He makes sure that the exterior of the building is free of debris along the perimeter, and he wipes down all chairs and tables in the restaurant and balconies. Todd’s day typically begins with sweeping the restaurant’s outdoor seating areas. Stephen laughs, “Todd likes to make it a game and pretend it’s hockey. He’ll see debris, sweep it in, and throw his hands in the air and yell ‘GOAL!’ There’s nothing better than seeing people in their element just genuinely enjoying what they do.” When Todd’s associates arrive to work, they already know that they’ve been set up for a great day. “Todd is the shining example of what a work ethic should look like,” says Stephen.
Todd and Assistant Manager Danielle
Todd loves his job at Federal Jack’s. One of his favorite aspects is the interaction with and support from his coworkers. “Todd instantly puts a smile on every one of his fellow associates’ faces. They make him feel like part of the family,” says Stephen. “He knows who to go to if he needs a beverage, or to ask if there is a particular area of the restaurant that he should start cleaning first.” Management at Federal Jack’s appreciates that Todd’s work ethic inspires his coworkers to do a great job as well. Stephen says that Assistant Manager Danielle has expressed that if she could have more than one Todd on her team, she gladly would. Todd also likes that the restaurant is right on the port where people have their boats docked, including a pirate ship. “He loves pirates,” shares Stephen. “His key word is pirate – anything he enjoys, he’ll call it a pirate. Jack Sparrow is his favorite.”
Since he began working with Todd, Stephen has witnessed growth in his communication abilities. He says, “Todd’s verbal communication skills are moderate, so it takes some time to understand his linguistics. He wants people to understand what he’s saying, so he’ll give people a moment to comprehend what he said, and he is patient about repeating himself as needed. His coworkers are very understanding, and they are really good at communicating with Todd, and vice versa.” Todd recently received new hearing aids, which has aided communication – crucial for the very extroverted Todd, who loves asking questions and doling out compliments. “He’s able to advocate for himself very well both in the community and at work,” says Stephen. “He’s so good at it, that it’s rare that I have to step in on his behalf.” If Stephen could describe Todd’s personality in one word, he would choose chivalrous. He shares, “Todd is such a gentleman. When we’re out in the community, he will open doors for everyone. He loves the Patriots, so if he sees someone wearing Patriots gear, he’ll go up and talk to them and shake their hand. Todd has a huge heart, a good sense of humor, and a lot of patience as well. He is genuinely kind and makes everyone feel like equal human beings.”
With support from WOU, Todd is meeting his goal of being more active in his community. He volunteers at an animal rescue, where he cleans counters and floors and brings in donations. He diligently works out at his local gym and likes talking about his workouts. Todd enjoys Stephen’s weekly cooking class, where he and his peers choose a recipe, learn basic culinary skills, and help clean up the kitchen area after the meal is prepared. In addition, Todd has shown more enthusiasm for going on outdoor adventures with his peers, like visiting a nearby animal refuge and the beach. “Todd’s walking ability is a slow pace, and he has to be very careful, but he’s interested in continuing to find places that are accessible for him. It’s awesome,” says Stephen.
Todd is thriving with WOU and Stephen by his side. He is living life to the fullest in his community and his long tenure at Federal Jack’s is an incredible accomplishment. “I couldn’t be prouder of this guy,” says Stephen. Congratulations, Todd!
