Robbie's work and love of baseball made his dreams come true

HIS MAJOR LEAGUE HEART LED TO A DREAM COMING TRUE OF PITCHING AT A MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL GAME

At a work skills program for adults with mental challenges, it’s easy to spot Robbie (not his real name) hard at work assembling packages and products. After all, he’s the one who wears a baseball cap to work – every day.

“Robbie loves to watch baseball,” said his mother. “With the money he makes at his work skills program job at a United Way partner agency, he pays for both of our tickets when we go to baseball games at AutoZone Park. He says it’s his way of contributing to our days out.”

Robbie had graduated from high school at age 22 and was beginning to want greater independence, his mother says. Since becoming connected with the program, he has achieved greater self-confidence and self-sufficiency. Robbie enjoys his job at the workshop where he keeps his mind active and focused in labeling, assembling, packaging, and bagging different materials.On-site counselors engage with Robbie and his coworkers to ensure all crew members are given individual treatment and have quality one-on-one time. The counselors have seen a dramatic change in Robbie’s attention to detail since he first started the program.

But back to Robbie’s love for baseball: One of the unexpected benefits of his job with the work program was the opportunity to throw the opening pitch at a Major League Baseball game at AutoZone Park when the St. Louis Cardinals team came to town!

“It was an exciting moment for him,” said his mother. “This entire experience – working at a job, pitching at a major league game - has been a dream come true for Robbie in so many ways. He’s been given the opportunity to work and be served by this agency, socialize with his friends, and do amazing things.”

Your support of United Way has helped Robbie enjoy a high quality of life and become even more self-sufficient. Robbie’s success is just one example of what changes take place in an individual’s life when you support the United Way network of care.

(Names and images changed to protect privacy. Factual events).