Rob gains life experience, independence with DDM

The sun beams through the large glass windows at the Weaverville McDonald’s. A smile is on Rob’s face. He looks forward to this day every week. He is dressed in his work clothes and has his matching cap positioned just right. Rob clears a table and throws the trash away when a customer enters the door.

“Good morning!” Rob cheerfully says . “Good morning!” the customer replies smiling at Rob . “My favorite part of my job is the customers – always the customers,” Rob asserts. “I make them feel happy.”

Rob has worked at this McDonald’s for 15 years. Many in the community recognize him as they come and go from the well-known eatery . Rob is a “golden arches” fan and isn’t shy about sharing his choice for a great restaurant. “I recommend McDonald’s. Yes sir, I do.”

Rob has lived at Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH) Developmental Disabilities Ministry (DDM) home in Asheville since last October. Living at the Alverta Bolick Home has helped Rob achieve more independence. DDM provides developmentally disabled individuals opportunities to achieve goals, realize dreams, and enhance their roles in the community.

The transition for Rob to living in the DDM home from living with his parents has been good, but not always easy.

“Well, you know it is hard leaving home,” he confides. “I thought my mom would cry that first day, but she didn’t.”

Rob visits family every week. They live in Weaverville and help him get to and from his job at McDonald’s.