Nicole and Beth-Ann's Story
Nicole and Beth-Ann work together in the Glen Road facility kitchen. Beth-Ann is a Lund staff member of seven years and is Nicole’s supervisor through the replication program. “The whole idea of the replication program,” says Beth-Ann, “is to get job experience, experience working with others in different settings.” It is just one of the many supports that are offered to residents and clients of Lund Family Center. “It’s a safer atmosphere too to be working and have your infant who may not be feeling well. You learn to navigate all of that. It’s not just managing time but the interruptions that come with having a kid. This is an easier place than working at Kmart and calling in,” adds Beth-Ann.
Nicole works in the kitchen each day with Beth-Ann. “I do a little bit of everything – I do paperwork, I type up recipes, I bake, I cook, I substitute. I do a lot of baking!” Beth-Ann sees her role as one providing gentle guidance to Nicole. “She came to it with some experience and a lot of willingness. My role has been to teach what I can and guide. It’s been pretty dang easy with Nicole!”
As they work together in the kitchen, the two are constantly sharing stories. Nicole talks about Hannah, her daughter. Beth-Ann talks about other jobs she’s done, other places she’s been. There is an ease and comfort to their work, and an obvious trust.
Nicole says the most exciting thing she’s done so far is substituting for Beth-Ann. “I really like to cook the entire meal for everybody. It teaches me how to rely on myself when I don’t have Beth-Ann to go, ‘Hey, do I need to double or triple this?’ I have to do it on my own.” As she hears this answer, Beth-Ann is smiling. “I’m glad to hear that was your answer – it’s something to be proud of. Not everybody realizes the responsibilities to substitute, and when you realize those and still want to do it – that’s different!”
One of the things that Nicole has learned in her work in the kitchen is “how much food we waste; looking at how much food you cook and the value of that food, and realizing how much money goes into it.” Both women talked about the fact that because it is available, many of the young women take more food than they might need. “Whatever is left over, we’re good about using,” adds Beth-Ann.
I want to be a baker. I never really baked for other people until I was here. Now I really like it. It makes me feel good when I cook and I bake, and I hear ‘Your cookies are really good today!’ Now I know that I could go and do a real kitchen in a restaurant.”
Personally, Beth-Ann says that having another person to work with helps. “Having someone that knows what’s going on, and especially someone that is so willing. It’s different to have someone to share your work day with. It’s a different thing for me in the over 7 years that I have been here. That’s a change for me.”
Both women have seen changes in Nicole’s confidence since starting with the replication program. “Nicole came in with some knowledge and a lot of willingness, so that has grown. She’s become more confident. I think, but I don’t know, about how much that confidence spills over in other things. She really does pay attention to what she’s doing, whatever task it is, whether it is cleaning the dining room or her daughter. That is the task at hand.”
Nicole agrees, “I think it is important because it has given me self-confidence. I want to be a baker. I never really baked for other people until I was here. Now I really like it. It makes me feel good when I cook and I bake, and I hear ‘Your cookies are really good today!’ Now I know that I could go and do a real kitchen in a restaurant.”
And that, in essence, is really what the replication program is all about!
For more information regarding Lund Family Center, please contact Kitty Bartlett at
(802) 864-7467 or via email at kittyb@lundfamilycenter.org.