- Nelson Mandela

Brady was starting to lose hope in finding a job within the Mankato community. It wasn’t until he started working with Hannah Bo Dean from MRCI, that his hope was restored.

“Olive Garden general manger Courtney Apfelbacher and I designed a position for Brady,” explains Hannah. “Brady has a medical condition that made it difficult for Brady to find a job. Olive Garden was so kind to make Brady their professional silverware roller and he loves it. It also keeps him out of harm’s way with his medical condition. I am so proud of him,” says Hannah.

Courtney Apfelbacher says she hasn’t questioned even once, the choice to create an opportunity for Brady.

“Brady is an absolute joy to have in the restaurant. His smile every morning is such a great thing to be welcomed by. He makes it a point to say “Good Morning” to each team member he passes through the restaurant. He is always so excited to tell everyone about his upcoming vacations or what he bought at the mall that week! Brady is always so proud of the job that he does for us and he is always asking for new tasks or how he can help in other ways once his work for the morning is done. We enjoy Brady around Olive Garden because he is an amazing human who loves to socialize and do a good job at his work!” she says.

Brady is thriving with his new understanding of the word “possible”. Thanks to Olive Garden he now knows it’s what he CAN do that matters.

“I love working at Olive Garden. Everyone is really nice and I don’t like missing days. I wish I could work more!” he says. “I really love making money because I have been saving up to go to Germany. I want to buy some t-shirts in Germany so people know I’ve been there.”

About MRCI

MRCI provides genuine opportunities for people with disabilities and disadvantages at home, at work and in the community. To become an employment partner, or for more information, please call 507-386-5600.