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Elvira’s Story Elvira standing in front of her job site

Elvira is an energetic, strong, and hard-working young woman who loves to laugh. Family and friends are a major part of her life, and she always enjoys talking on the phone, going to movies or restaurants, playing with her niece and nephew, and attending church. She also loves spending time with animals and helping to take care of her family’s chickens. Elvira and her family moved to the United States from Ukraine in 1998, and she speaks Ukrainian, Russian, and English fluently. 

Elvira first began receiving Vocational Services from Cascade Connections in September 2012, after completing her transitions program through Bellingham High School. In her first years working with us, Cascade Connections Vocational staff supported her in exploring various potential employment fields by doing mini-internships at various jobs. She initially worked on several of Cascade Connections’ custodial crews, as well as at Soy House restaurant in Bellingham. 

Elvira eventually decided she was ready to try something new. In July 2019, Cascade Connections asked Woods Coffee administrators if they would be interested in hiring someone througElvira and Janae h Cascade. Janae Nielsen, the manager of Woods Coffee in Boulevard Park, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with us and creating an inclusive, diverse work environment at her location. Elvira thought that working at a café sounded interesting, so we set up an interview. During the interview, Janae saw that Elvira would be a great asset to the team and agreed to hire her!Elvira folding towels 

Cascade Connections Employment Consultant Joe Pruitt assisted Elvira in learning the job tasks required for Woods Coffee’s café attendant position. These tasks include sanitizing surfaces around the coffee shop, refilling the grab-and-go snack case, washing and sanitizing dishes, stocking supplies, washing and drying towels, refilling condiments, removing trash, and bussing tables. Joe also supported Elvira as she learned to make brewed coffee and whipped cream, which she was very excited about. Elvira practicing labeling

Joe noticed how Elvira takes pride in her work, making sure to stock the various supplies sufficiently. She also enjoys making the outside patio look nice as she cleans, straightens tables and chairs, and greets customers with a smile every shift. Joe recalls how much he “enjoyed Elvira’s positive energy and excitement about her job. She would always provide details about every task she completed and the funny things that happened at work that day.” 

When asked recently about her favorite aspects of her job, Elvira immediately mentioned the view! The Boulevard Park Woods Coffee location sits right on Bellingham Bay and has one of the best views in Bellingham. Elvira also mentioned that she loves distributing doggy treats to the many four-legged customers who come trotting up to the take-out window!

Aaron, Elvira, and AlexisElvira’s current job coach, Alexis Traxinger, says that Elvira really helps the Woods team provide efficient customer service during the busy lunch rush. Alexis reports that Elvira is very hardworking and strong, and sometimes carries impressively large stacks of milk cartons during restocking! Elvira’s skills have grown considerably over time, and Alexis and Elvira hope to expand them further as she learns how to make more drinks.

Cascade Connections Program Coordinator Aaron Dickson, who also worked as a job coach with Elvira for a while, emphasizes how much “the excitement and support of the manager and workers at this location have helped make it a great success for Elvira.” He reports that instead of leaving job support entirely to Cascade Connections, Woods staff regularly step up to assist Elvira when necessary, just like they would for any other co-worker. 

From the beginning, Janae and all the staff members have played an active role in supporting Elvira and integrating her into the Woods team. Joe Pruitt recalls that Elvira always seemed to have a good time engaging with Woods' staff, who smile and laugh with Elvira throughout her shift. During his visits, Joe was always told by Elvira’s coworkers and Woods manager Janae that Elvira is doing a great job and they really enjoy having her there. Elvira brings a positive, helpful attitude and a great sense of humor to every interaction, and Woods staff and customers benefit from knowing her.  Elvira with her coworkers

Elvira’s story highlights how much employers, community members, and individuals we serve stand to benefit from the inclusive employment opportunities that Cascade Connections’ Vocational Services make possible. 

Elvira's success would not have been possible without your financial support! By partnering with us, you help us provide the needed supports and training to help people like Elvira develop their gifts and talents, live independently, and thrive in their community.