As the kitchen buzzes around him, Chris remains concentrated on his task at hand, preparing fruit parfaits for all of the hospital visitors, staff, and patients. Chris has worked at the Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, N.Y. for over 10 years, where he prepares grab-n-go snacks and meals for the hospital. The hospital averages 600 patients at any given time, and about 1100 visitors per day, meaning the front grab-n-go retail space has to always have options available. Chris participated in the work-study program in high school and then started his journey with Springbrook’s Self-Directed Services. Chris’ Self-Directed Supported Employment Services have provided him with the needed and desired support to help ensure his employment success and satisfaction in Bassett’s food service department.

Chris currently works part-time in the kitchen of Bassett Hospital and enjoys preparing food for people with his colleagues. When preparing the fruit parfaits, Chris shares that his favorite part is adding the blueberries. He also prepares the fresh-baked cookies with the support of his job coach, Rebecca. Becky, as she is referred to by Chris, has worked with him for four months and comments about how hard he works every day on each task. Becky shares, “He is always so happy to be here and be a part of the kitchen staff.” Chris enthusiastically expressed how Becky is a great job coach. Head Chef Steve has only good things to say about working with Chris, and the other kitchen staff share the same sentiment. Steve shares, when Chris was recently on vacation, “Nobody was missed more than him.” Corey, sous chef, adds, “You realize the impact Chris has especially in his absence.” With over 10 years of working in the kitchen, Chris has only missed three days of work due to illness.

Chris looked into working in other Bassett departments, like caretaking and housekeeping, but he felt it wasn’t the right fit for him. He feels at home in the kitchen preparing food such as cookies, parfaits, bento boxes, fruit cups, and pudding. Chris, alongside his twin brother Tom, volunteers as members of the local fire department. Chris’ mom shares that she is grateful for the support of Chris and Tom.  She believes that her family is part of a great community. Communities such as their church, the school, sporting events, neighbors, and local merchants give unwavering support, and because of this, Chris and Tom, have many friends and are contributing members in their community.

Chris hopes to help prepare pizzas in the near future, and to continue being a part of the kitchen staff at Bassett, sharing his good energy and upbeat spirit with everyone.