Every day is a miracle
Paul's mom feared her son, who has an intellectual disability, would never find work. Three years later, he's full-time with benefits.
“Every day that he has a job is a miracle to me.”
Paul's mom, Heather, feared her son — who has an intellectual disability — would never be able to get a job. Three years and counting at Artistree, a Michaels subsidiary, have rewritten that expectation.
Bridges Senior Youth Employment Specialist Erica Jones coached Paul through the interview and job application process. She helped him navigate the transition from being a sheltered special-education student to an adult employee — including adapting to obstacles that emerged during the pandemic.
"Paul has been at Artistree for over three years, where he works full-time, with good pay and full benefits," Heather wrote in a testimonial. "Every day that he has a job is a miracle to me."
At a Bridges event in October 2023 at the Dallas Marriott Uptown, Paul was recognized alongside Erica and his Michaels HR manager Lauren Tarpley. Three people, one job — and a family's future transformed.
Stories like this happen because of partnership.
Hire through Bridges, fund a placement, refer a young adult, or share your own story.
