Patricia works part time at Advantage Business Systems in business development. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)
Everyone has something to offer if given the right opportunity!
Alsip, IL-(ENEWSPF)- Advantage Business Systems hosted an open house and luncheon at their office in Alsip on July 17 to welcome their newest employee, Patricia Brown, and allow her the opportunity to demonstrate to her former job coaches how she was succeeding at her new job.
Patricia works part-time at Advantage Business Systems in business development. She spends her days making calls to potential customers to help grow the business for this company that specializes in copiers and printers.
It is the opportunity which Patricia had been looking to find. It is the job that allows her to showcase her interpersonal and telephone skills. She found this perfect match with the help of Sertoma Centre’s employment services division known as Insite. Sertoma Centre provides various programs and services for individuals with disabilities as well as opportunities to help them achieve personal success. Patricia is one such success story.
Patricia came to Insite about two years ago after leaving college. As Patricia said she was trying to find herself and a place where she belonged. At Insite, she began working with her job coach performing clerical duties through volunteer work at a local hospital. She thought perhaps she would find a job as a receptionist.
“Before Insite, I did not know where to start or where I would fit in,” Patricia said. “I have limitations, but I knew I could flourish if given the right opportunity. It only takes one to make a difference.” She sent out resumes and letters with the help of Insite staff, but it was through word of mouth that she found the job at Advantage Business Systems.
“I feel so great and could not ask for more,” Patricia said. “Everything is falling into place. Carol and John (the owners) have been flexible and welcoming.”
Advantage Business Systems is owned by Carol McGill and John Catalano. They have operated the business in Alsip for 3 years. Carol and John bring more than thirty years of copier/printer know-how to their business.
To make it easier and faster for Patricia to type, she uses a headset and Dragon software to help her input orders and notes into her computer. Patricia calls the software a true blessing that makes her job easier and allows her to meet her goals.
“The staff at Insite gave me the confidence, guidance and knowledge to highlight my skills and show employers what I have to offer,” Patricia said. “Sometimes people are more than what appears on paper in a resume. It can be hard to convey all you have to offer. Once John and Carol met me and talked to me, I was hired on the spot.”
Patricia is spending her days helping the business grow its customer base. She has her own business cards which she is quick to hand out and remind you to call her to learn about meeting your printing, scanning and copying needs. She has personalized her desk to make her space feel like her own. “I know I have found a place that I belong,” she said. “Everyone has something to offer if given the right opportunity.” Advantage Business Systems is located at 12644 S. Holiday Drive, in Alsip, Illinois. To learn more about Sertoma Centre’s Insite Employment Services and how they can help find the perfect candidate for a job opening, call 708-371-9790.
Advantage Business Systems is owned by Carol McGill and John Catalano. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)
Sertoma Centre, Inc. is a nationally-accredited, not-for-profit agency that provides services for more than 725 individuals with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities, and/or mental illness. For more information, to schedule a tour, volunteer or to make a donation, please contact Amy Chmura, Director of Advancement and Communications, Sertoma Centre, 4343 West 123rd Street, Alsip, IL 60803. (708) 730-6206, or [email protected]. For additional resources visit www.sertomacentre.org.
