Relationships built over time pay off for Edwards

23-Feb-2010

COURTESY PHOTO Ian Edwards is pictured here with his mother, Cindy Edwards.

You can't turn on the television, talk to your neighbor, or even balance your checkbook without being reminded of the slow economy. For job hunters seeking opportunity in the midst of record unemployment, there's plenty of "expert" advice out there.

But 23 year-old Ian Edwards could also teach them a thing or two about gaining job skills and connecting with people.

Edwards is an engaging, inquisitive young man who lives in Laconia with his mom, Cindy. Ian graduated from Laconia High School in 2007. He has a knack for electronics, but also loves machines — snowblowers, lawn mowers — you name it.

"Ian's a very nice guy," said Charlie Hughes, his resource coordinator at Lakes Region Community Services. "He likes to work with his hands."

When Ian was a high school student, he held several part-time jobs. LRCS became involved with Ian a couple years before he turned 21 to help prepare him for the transition from his school-based program to community-based supports and services. He was participating in the agricultural program at Winnisquam Regional High School and also did some cleaning and vacuuming at a couple local businesses.

Then in June of 2008, he started working for Community Connections, a job-training program operated by Lakes Region Community Services that employs individuals with developmental disabilities. The program, which offers services such as lawn mowing, snow shoveling, maintenance, basement clean-outs and moving, provides several LRCS consumers with part-time employment.

"That's where Ian started acquiring skills and learning to stay on task," said Hughes.

The job coach who supported Ian in his part-time employment and other agency staff like Jeff Gandolfi, who supervised Ian at Community Connections, were all preparing him for some kind of future employment. But it was Ian himself who many years before — thanks to his likable personality and inquisitive nature — started developing relationships that would eventually lead him to the job he has today.

Ian's home on Charles Street was adjacent to the former Laconia office of the Fred Fuller Oil Co. When the tanker drivers were there, Ian would go over to visit with them and ask them questions. He became friends with them. After Ian's father unexpectedly passed away, his mother says the manager there became a mentor to him.

In October of 2009, after the company relocated to a larger facility on Primrose Drive, Ian was offered a part-time maintenance job. He works four hours a day, Monday through Friday. While he admits to being a little nervous his first day on the job, Ian was quickly put at ease and says that he enjoys working for and with people he already knows and likes.

What is his favorite part of the job?

"Running the snowblower," proclaims Ian.

But since every day can't be a snow day, Ian's also on top of mopping the floors, taking out the trash and generally keeping things clean.

Ian works independently at the oil company, without support from agency staff. When Ian's not working, he enjoys bowling, shopping, spending time with his girlfriend, going to the gym and taking guitar lessons.

This article was provided to the Citizen of Laconia by Lakes Region Community Services. LRCS is the state designated Agency responsible for supporting the needs of Lakes Region individuals and families living with developmental disabilities and/or acquired brain disorders. For more information on LRCS or to find out how you can support the Agency, log on to the new LRCS website at www.lrcs.org or contact Shannon Kelly at 524-8811, ext. 192.

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