By Nicole Lemire
Supporting their mother and earning an honest paycheck is the main motivation for twin brothers Alec and Austin. They both work part-time at Papa Joe’s Ristorante and Pizzeria in Pittsfield with the support of BCArc’s Employment Services.
Austin started as Papa Joe’s five years ago, and Alec joined him one year later. A day in the life at Papa Joe’s for them consists of washing dishes, carrying flour bags and other kitchen supplies upstairs for the kitchen crew, and taking out the trash. Austin works the closing shift and enjoys cleaning the restaurant, completing tasks such as sweeping and mopping.
“I focus on the tasks I need to do, and make sure not to drop the dishes,” Alec said.
“The restaurant has become like a second home to them,” said BCArc Employment Manager Regan Carlotto. “The team there welcomed them in, provided training, and continued to give them new responsibilities as they grew in their roles.”
The owners, Sherry and Paul Colombari, love having the twins as a part of their staff.
“They do a fine job and we rely on them a lot,” said Sherry.
Both Alec and Austin plan to stay at Papa Joe’s for a very long time. When asked what his favorite thing about his job is, Austin enthusiastically replied “everything!”
Back in 2018, the twins first got involved with BCArc’s Employment Services and took part in job trials. They tested out various jobs including painting fences and pottery to discover what kind of career they would like to pursue, before eventually finding the right fit at Papa Joe’s.
As participants in the Employment Services Program, Austin and Alec receive ongoing support from Matt, one of BCArc’s Employment Trainers. Matt has worked with the twins for years now and expressed how beneficial the program has been for them.
“I’ve seen them grow in confidence,” Matt said. “They know their jobs well and have established strong relationships with the owners and staff at Papa Joe’s.”
“I’ve seen them grow in confidence,” Matt said. “They know their jobs well and have established strong relationships with the owners and staff at Papa Joe’s.”
Alec and Austin recently celebrated their 30th birthday, and everyone on their team is proud of the hardworking men they’ve become. Their mother, Fawkia, explained that the skills and values they’ve learned at work have also translated into their home life.
“They take turns cooking, taking out the trash, and sweeping, without me even needing to ask!” she said.
The family first got involved with BCArc when a friend recommended the agency to Fawkia, and she feels it has been a great fit for her sons.
“If I didn’t have BCArc, I’d be lost. I appreciate what they have done for our family, and I wouldn’t do it any other way.”
