BALLSTON SPA – John Toker was recently awarded the William B. Joslin Award for his excellent vocational performance and personal success.
A client of Saratoga Bridges, John received the award after they nominated him for the people-centered recognition through the New York State Industries for the Disabled.
Saratoga Bridges was one of 165 community rehabilitation agencies and private sector business partners to submit an individual for the Joslin Award. They noted that John was selected because of not only his work ethics, but of the success he has had transitioning from high school into the private work sector.
After graduating from Albany High School in 2011, John has been working in the Fire-Bag Firewood component of Alpha Industries. For John, being hired for a job, learning to work and receiving a paycheck were his life’s goals. The transition from school to work was challenging at first, as his school environment was very structured. He needed to navigate some independence while at work. Fortunately, John has been extremely successful and has definitely blossomed.
In addition to his work at Alpha, when Saratoga Bridges needed someone to deliver inter-office mail from building to building, John was chosen. Thrice a day he gathers mail for the other building, walks over, interacts with staff, places the mail in the correct mailbox and returns to the wood packing area. Further, the agency recently started a lawn care business for some of their community-based homes. John was assessed and will be a part of the crew, where he will make a prevailing wage. In every position, John is succeeding!
