Success Stories

Meet Cheryl

Cheryl has been part of the Sycamore family since she was a young girl. She enjoys working on a variety of projects and is one of the highest earners at the Work Center. Cheryl has learned new skills in the last year as a regular worker at Sycamore's Print Center.

Her hobbies include bowling, fishing, shopping, and cooking and puzzle books. She likes to watch TV and movies as well as listen to county music.  She lives with her parents Sherman and Mary.  Cheryl is a hard worker, always cheerful, and the first volunteer for any new job.

Meet Jim

Ideal Job: Working in a Greek Restaurant
Actual Job: Waiter's Assisstant at Santorini's Greek Kitchen

Working with a Sycamore Services' Employment Consultant, Jim set a goal to find his dream job - working in a Greek restaurant. Both were thrilled to find just that at Santorini’s Greek Kitchen. Due to his Greek heritage, Jim has become an integral part of Santorini’s

Owner Jeanette Sawi states that she wishes all of her staff had the commitment and dedication that Jim has. She tells the story of a former mayor of Indianapolis coming in to lunch and greeting Jim in recognition.

Jim knows many people around town because his father was a cab driver and Jim liked to ride along with him. That is how he learned his way around the city. Jim now rides the bus to work and other places in the city.

Important in My Life: Church, Greek Heritage, Memories of riding in cab with father, Family, Community Involvement

Meet John & Larry

John and Larry were living with family members until parents passed away or became unable to provide day-to-day care. One at a time, they inquired about Sycamore's Residential Services and placing them together in a living situation. Sycamore found a way to meet their residential care needs. The two men have successfully moved into a new living arrangement and are enjoying being roommates. They work together doing chores, planning meals and participating in many activities. Both men receive assistance from staff and are learning to live safe and productive lives.

John
Important in My Life: Swimming, Drawing, Board Games, Family, Cleaning, John Wayne Fan

Favorite T.V. Show:  “I Love Lucy”

Larry
Important in My Life: Playing Piano, Trains, Music, Family, Baseball

Favorite T.V. Show:  “Leave It to Beaver”

Meet Amanda

Amanda came to Sycamore in an emergency situation. She needed a home for herself and her then 3-month old son. Sycamore helped her find a safe place to raise her son. Soon, with the assistance of Sycamore Consultants, Amanda began making a new life for herself.

Amanda can perform many tasks on most days, but there are other days when she cannot. She now knows that the Sycamore Consultants supporting her can be trusted to treat her with respect on good and bad days and not judge her on her shortcomings.

Recently, Amanda's son had pneumonia and had to be hospitalized. Amanda was frightened at first, but learned that she could trust the nurses, doctors, and other caregivers that were helping him.

By receiving assistance from Sycamore, she has learned to trust her support staff and makes daily improvements to her life and her son's. Sycamore Consultants working with Amanda showed her respect and helped her build her confidence in herself and in others.

Meet Kelly

Kelly McConnell was born deaf. Her 3 boys are able to communicate with her using sign language. It is important to Kelly that her friends and co-workers have learned sign language to communicate with her. She feels that members of the community should learn sign language to improve communications with anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing.

Kelly and her family were victims of the November 2005 tornado that touched down in Evansville, IN. Her experience was horrifying and even more so because she couldn't hear the siren warnings, or the noise of the approaching storm. She was filled with terror when her mobile home began rocking and was eventually turned upside down. This left her filled with feelings of loss, endangerment and anger.

Kelly came to Sycamore seeking assistance and received interpreter services, as well as job development and job placement assistance. She was quickly named Employee of the Month at her new job. Now her feelings have changed to self-confidence, greater financial stability, and in general, more secure. Sycamore is helping Kelly obtain a weather radio specialized for use by persons who are deaf to help keep her and her family safe.