If you’ve ever met Tyler, you’ve seen his smile. It’s bright, it’s genuine, and it shows up just about everywhere he goes, whether he’s grabbing a coffee, enjoying a good meal, hanging out with friends, or visiting his older sister.
When Tyler came to Columbia Ability Alliance in 2023, he already had a full social life. He stayed active in the community through The Arc and spent time each week with friends at both The Arc and the CAA Community Center. But one thing was missing: a job that gave him a sense of purpose.
Putting in the work
Tyler didn’t wait for an opportunity to find him. He worked side by side with his CAA employment specialists to go after one. He submitted applications, went to interviews, and practiced workplace skills at the CAA office.
Job searching can be discouraging, and for a lot of people, the longer it takes, the harder it gets to stay positive. Tyler was different. Through every application and every interview, he stayed upbeat, friendly, and ready to keep going.
Landing the right fit
Tyler knew what he wanted: a job in food service. After a lot of effort to create a role that matched his goals, Red Robin offered him a position as a busser. The job is two hours a week, exactly the schedule Tyler was looking for.
He started in July 2026. Even while CAA went through some staffing changes during his first weeks, Tyler showed up to every shift ready to learn and open to coaching. When the restaurant gets busy and the work gets physical, he keeps his energy up and gives it everything he’s got.
Support that makes a difference
Tyler’s job includes support built around him. A CAA job coach works alongside him for his full two-hour shift each week, helping him learn the role and build independence.
Since starting at Red Robin, Tyler’s confidence has grown in a big way, and so has his sense of purpose. His co-workers are getting to know him, and he’s building real connections on the team. Just like everywhere else he goes, he’s brightening the place up.
Resilience in action
Tyler’s story is a reminder that the right job is worth working for, and that optimism and effort go a long way. We’re proud to have been part of his journey, and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
Are you, or someone you know, looking for meaningful work? CAA’s Employment Services team can help. Learn More
