From Injury to Ambition

In 1999, Daniel’s car hydroplaned into a  wall, resulting in severe arm and foot injuries and then brain surgery. A second brain surgery in 2001 left him completely unable to work. After rehab doing physical, occupational, and speech therapy, Daniel went from using a wheelchair to a walker.

Daniel receives Social Security disability benefits and lives in a group home. He began looking for a day program to occupy his time. He was referred to Easterseals DC MD VA when his previous program closed.

In 2017, Daniel enrolled in Easterseals Adult Day Services. He takes the Easterseals shuttle to the center where he has three close friends who call themselves the “VIPs” and sit together in their “VIP lounge.”

Wanting to save money for retirement, Daniel applied for a job at Safeway in 2022. His social worker at Easterseals helped with the job application and paperwork. The store manager saw beyond Daniel’s disability and hired him as a courtesy clerk.

The staff is great. It’s a special place to come. I work and come here and it’s my R & R. Every Friday we do Zumba, dance, and it’s the best.

He encourages others to send their loved ones to Easterseals, calling it “a nice, safe environment” that welcomes people of all ages, races, and abilities. Daniel balances his time between Easterseals and Safeway. He loves his job and plans to work at Safeway for years to come. His goal is to be on television to present the PGA Tour winner’s check on behalf of Safeway.