Meet Yasom!

Yasom lives in Philadelphia. He likes to draw his favorite characters, play soccer, and participate in the Special Olympics. In his free time, he likes listening to music and playing video games.

Yasom works full-time at the Philadelphia Airport as a custodial worker. He enjoys working on new skills while on the job and hopes to someday turn these skills into better opportunities at the airport.

"Sometimes it can be very busy and sometimes it can be easy," said Yasom, describing his typical day on the job. "During busy times I clean up spills, sweep floors, and sometimes prepare packages for pick up. On easy days, I shred a lot of paper, if necessary, using an industrial shredder."

Yasom is on the Autism Spectrum, and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) provides him the supports and services needed to be successfully employed without having to worry about losing important benefits. The use of these DHS services helps Yasom maintain a job coach at Philadelphia's Community Integrated Services when needed, as well as providing additional medical coverage.

"There were no challenges looking for employment since he had help from job coaches at Community Integrated Services. The team of job coaches has been instrumental in helping Yasom gain and maintain his independence," said Yasom's mother, Latrece. "Yasom was offered two jobs; one was part-time and the other was full-time, he chose to take the full-time position with full benefits."

Yasom's job coaches helped to created an environment that was helpful in assisting him fulfill his dream of entering the workforce.

Now that he has a routine, Yasom embraces his position and duties, and he requires little assistance on a day-to-day basis. And he doesn't have to worry about losing the benefits that helped him get to where he is now.

Yasom's favorite part of his job is working with people and learning new things. He likes his coworkers and supervisor, and he especially enjoys the gatherings he has with his coworkers, where there is food, music and dancing. 

"It is okay to have a job and keep your benefits. It is not hard and there are programs to help you along the way. There are people to show you the ropes and learn how to get a job," said Yasom. "I want people to know that if you put your mind to it and put in the work you can do it!"