While working at a local restaurant, Barbara began to experience some mental health challenges. She felt depressed, overworked, and overwhelmed, which led her to look for a different job. A close friend recommended that she try DI, and the suggestion worked out quite well—she has been working here ever since.

Over the last year, Barbara has seen positive changes in herself, such as improving her social anxiety and inspiring her teammates to stay on task. She has found great comradery in her fellow associates, which has been a highlight of her job.

“I feel like I have a team here,” Barbara says. “We all help each other no matter what department we’re in. If you know a skill from another department, you can help them out.”

Barbara also appreciates her job coach, who makes the workplace more enjoyable. She is grateful to learn from him and sees the experience as a valuable step along the way to her future employment goals.

“I’m planning on starting my own culinary business,” Barbara says. “Working here and learning more skills helps with that.”