by Janet Kim
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Employment rates have shown improvement, but some are still finding it hard to get a job. A local program works to help the mentally disabled find work.
Friday marks the end of a work week for most people, but Beatrice Miller – known as "Bea" to friends - looks forward to the day for a different reason. Every Friday, Miller looks forward to bubble gum.
In her 60s, Bea's intellectual level is closer to that of a young girl.
Bea works at Nashville Airport Marriott Hotel. Jack Shaw has been a member at the hotel's gym for over a decade. He met Miller about three years ago. They have since become good friends.
The bubble gum is Shaw's gift to her each week.
This is just one of the relationships Miller has made in her 12 years working at Marriott.
"She's great. I mean, there have been times that I'm not feeling so good, but she comes in and lights up the room. She's a very hard worker," said Susan Hutchinson with Progress, Inc.
Miller's position at the Marriott Hotel is made possible through Progress - an organization committed to providing support for those with disabilities.
"Just like you or I, our folks like to have a meaningful day. They want to get a paycheck. Unfortunately, they are not able to do it on their own," said Hutchinson.
Bea will tell you that her duties are important.
"I do the coffee shop, napkins, towels, sweeping the hallway," she said.
Those around her say she contributes so much more.
"Individuals like that are intellectually challenged, but they are contributing to society, and it really does my heart good to see this kind of thing," said Shaw.
Friday also happened to be Shaw's birthday, and this time Bea had a gift for him – a handmade birthday card.
"Oh Bea, is that ever nice. ‘Happy Birthday to Mr. Shaw. I love you.' Oh is that ever nice," said Shaw as he read his card.
It's the moments like these that Bea said keep her coming back.
Progress, Inc. officials said 6,000 to 10,000 people with disabilities in Tennessee are on waiting lists to receive help from programs like the employment placement program.
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