'Renaissance Man' celebrating Disability Employment Awareness Month

Celebrating Disability Employment Awareness Month on October 2012 with “The Restaurant Renaissance Man.”

Originally hired through the District 99 Transition Program, Jerry Spruce, Despite having Aspergers Disease and manage his diabetes, refers to himself as the “Renaissance Man”, and that is exactly what he has become over the last year he has been employed at Skuddlebutts.

Downers Grove High School District 99's Transition 99 program prepares students with significant cognitive and health impairments for work and daily living. Jerry has become a very key employee and strong member of our team. From the moment Jerry walks in he puts a smile on everyone's face, as he is always very cheerful and outgoing. He is known to tell a few jokes, some of them that he has made up on his own to get a little laughter going.

While working at Skuddlebutts Jerry is the man behind the scenes, prepping and portioning food in the kitchen. He is a huge help to our chefs and makes everyone's job easier. During the dinner rushes, Jerry is in charge of putting together and bagging take out and delivery orders. Making sure that the customer has all of their food and the condiments and utensils to go with it. At the end of his shift Jerry helps with the Clean ups, including dishes, mopping, garbage, etc. Jerry also helps with special events and catering, including the Indian Trail School Kick off, Panther Football Homecoming Events, and DGN and DGS events. At these events he helps to serve and setup food, talk with guests and even busted a few dance moves! He is fun to have around yet, Jerry always remains busy and keeps his mind on his job, Always proud to let us know what tasks he has accomplished and how much he has achieved. He is truly a model employee for everyone as I often tell him that I wish I had a few more Jerry's.

Jerry has never been late, called off work, or had to leave early without prior notice.

And for the record… He also had to let me know how to spell “Renaissance Man”

Jerry has overcome many issues and hardships, and deserves to be recognized as an outstanding employee