The quiet hum of anticipation fills the otherwise empty stadium. Though the stands are bare, a pre-game energy buzzes as Colorado Rockies players go through their warm-up routines. Coors Field is gearing up for another exciting ball game, but behind the scenes, who ensures the stadium gleams before the first pitch? The answer is Laradon individuals.
For the past couple of years, dedicated participants from Laradon’s Employment Program have been valued employees of the Colorado Rockies staff. Before the gates even open for weekday day games, these individuals arrive and diligently prepare the stadium for the crowds.
Alex proudly takes on the role of team leader, ensuring everyone understands their assigned tasks and that no piece of trash is overlooked. He is consistently seen offering a helping hand to his fellow coworkers, patiently guiding JoAnn to ensure she doesn’t miss any debris.
JoAnn, a veteran of the team, provides wisdom and experience to her colleagues. Michael acts as a supportive presence, making sure no one is left behind or feels isolated.
Gwenn is the ultimate worker bee, diligently ensuring every surface is spotless and not a single trash can is overlooked.
Finally, Mark spreads infectious smiles and positivity, easily making friends with stadium management and early arriving guests, making everyone feel welcome and excited for the game.
These five Laradon individuals create the ultimate sports team, everyone contributing to the team’s success.
This valuable job opportunity is facilitated through Aramark, a company dedicated to connecting individuals with careers in the hospitality and food service industries. Just like any other job opportunity, the individuals who work at the Rockies games undergo a formal hiring process, including application, interviews, and orientation.
Angela Suppes, Assistant Director of Adult and Employment Services at Laradon, cherishes hearing about the individuals’ workday at the stadium and the significant positive impact it has on their lives.
“The group loves going out and helping their home team, and they come back talking about what has happened at the games. The supportive environment has really helped develop job skills, and many individuals have moved on to individualized employment,” she explains.
From 10 AM to 1 PM, JoAnn, Mark, Gwenn, Michael, and Alex work hard, sweeping up any stray trash and meticulously wiping down various surfaces. All of them genuinely enjoy their work for the Rockies, earning a wage while also gaining invaluable, lifelong job skills.
Dodge Morton, a dedicated 15-year Laradon employee and Work Team Sports Specialist, has witnessed firsthand the profound impact this job has on the Laradon participants.
“This job is so important because they get to interact with other individuals that don’t have disabilities,” Dodge explains. “They also get to learn the importance of working on a team and how each role is valuable.”
Witnessing the Laradon work before each game, it’s clear that every individual plays a vital role, and they actively uplift and empower each other to thrive.
On this particular sunny Wednesday afternoon, the lively discussion among the Laradon employees centered on whether the Rockies would secure a win. They confidently concluded that the Rockies would indeed be victorious, jokingly attributing it to their role as good luck charms. As fate would have it, the Rockies did win that day, leaving one to wonder if the enthusiastic efforts of the Laradon employees played a part in the home team’s success.
By: Katey Lewicki, Communications Coordinator
