Some people light up a room the moment they walk in. Andrew Garcia, kitchen team member at Eskaton Senior Living’s Gold River facility, lights up an entire dining hall.
From Shy to Shining
After graduating from high school, Andrew faced a challenging job market and struggled to find work that truly showcased his skills and personality. As a person with a disability, he encountered barriers that limited his access to long-term employment. While he was able to find fleeting seasonal jobs and night shift positions, he wanted a role where his strongest asset—his character—would be valued.
“For five years, I worked graveyard shifts. During my breaks, I would write poems, but there were never many people to share them with,” said Andrew.
That opportunity finally came when PRIDE Industries connected him with Eskaton, a leading provider of senior care in Northern California. Andrew joined the kitchen team at the company’s Gold River senior living community, a place where his kindness and passion for helping others could truly thrive.
As a kitchen team member, Andrew quickly became more than just a familiar face to the residents; he became a constant source of warmth and connection.
“Andrew has absolutely flourished here. He went from being a quiet person to chatting with everyone and sharing his poetry with them. It has been amazing to watch him grow and blossom,” said Carol Compton, PRIDE Industries Employment Coach.
A Steady Presence in a Changing Industry
The senior living industry routinely experiences high turnover. This can be difficult for community residents, who often form close bonds with staff members. For many older adults, Eskaton is more than a senior living community; it is their home. And as in any home, stability matters. Frequent team member changes can feel disorienting and unsettling for residents, who naturally seek comfort, familiarity, and interpersonal connection.
This is one reason why Eskaton turned to PRIDE Industries for culinary team support.
“It started with a need for consistency with kitchen team members,” said Paul Nelson, Director of Culinary Experience at Eskaton. “We were looking for a long-term solution rather than constantly training new people.”
Culinary team retention also impacts the resident experience. “We know that the turnover of kitchen team member role directly correlates to the happiness and quality of life of residents. If you see new people over and over it can be very stressful,” said Cynthia Driver, Director of Work Partnerships at Eskaton.
Cynthia’s comments are supported by the Harvard Study of Adult Development, a decades long study of what makes people happy in life that followed 724 participants from all over world for years. “It’s the longest in-depth longitudinal study on human life ever done,” said researchers Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz,” and it’s brought us to a simple and profound conclusion: Good relationships lead to health and happiness.”
Kitchen Team Member Enhances the Resident Experience
Andrew has become a comforting constant in the dining room. His daily presence offers not only a sense of routine but also the emotional reassurance that someone truly cares. When residents come to each meal, they find more than a warm plate, they find a friendly face they know and trust, someone who sees them and enriches their lives.
Beyond his duties of taking orders, serving meals, and cleaning, Andrew puts in the extra effort to get to know every person who calls Eskaton home. The culinary team, residents, and fellow employees all appreciate the way he elevates the dining experience.
“The residents really enjoy Andrew’s presence. He can anticipate their needs. He has learned who the regulars are. Half of them, he doesn’t have to ask their orders anymore, but he still does so they can feel heard. He knows all of their names and has really pleasant conversations with each of them,” Paul said.
For many residents, mealtime is more than just a time to eat. It’s a vital part of their day and an opportunity to connect with others. Andrew ensures that each interaction is meaningful.
“He was a little shy at first, but from then on, he has had the biggest smile. He always greets you by your name and says hello. It makes you feel like family. I may have family close, but not everyone does, so that makes you feel special,” said Sharon Douglas, a resident at Eskaton.
The Poet of Eskaton
Andrew’s impact at Eskaton extends far beyond his role as kitchen team member. He has become the community’s beloved poet. His heartfelt poetry, filled with themes of gratitude and appreciation for life’s beauty, has resonated with both residents and staff. Residents share his poems among their friends, and behind the scenes, his words decorate the walls, reminding each kitchen team member of the joy in their work.
Within the walls of Eskaton, Andrew’s poems are so much more than just words on paper. For the residents, his poems offer comfort, joy, and a reminder of the beauty in everyday life.
Overcoming Barriers to Employment
Finding steady employment once posed a challenge for Andrew. Then PRIDE Industries connected him with a role that suited his strengths, in an industry that needs reliable workers. At Eskaton, his light finally had a place to shine.
Now, not only does Andrew excel at his job, he’s also an integral part of the Eskaton community. His success story is a testament to the life-changing power of inclusive employment.
“I think the misconceptions are widely there when you hear ‘disability’ first, and there is an idea of limitation,” said Cynthia. “Being in this field, it’s a wonderful match-up because we also have a huge stigma around aging and capabilities. People often think just because you’re a certain age that you would have a limitation. So having these two paired up together to basically fight both of these stigmas and have it work together in this beautiful concert is a wonderful opportunity.”
A Chance to Shine
In the kitchen bright where meals are made,
A dream took flight, where kindness laid.
PRIDE Industries opened the door
For a man with hope to do much more.
With hands that stir, and skills that grow,
He found his place, his talents flow.
At Eskaton’s heart, in the kitchen’s glow,
A chance was given and love did show.
Through teamwork strong and hearts aligned,
He found his worth, his purpose defined.
Filling each dish with joy and grace,
He shares his light in this special space.
Grateful for the chance, his spirit bright,
PRIDE Industries gave him wings to flight.
In the kitchen’s warmth, a story unfolds,
Of dreams fulfilled and hearts that hold.
Andrew knows that sometimes it takes businesses looking beyond these stigmas to find the talents hidden within each person.
“Anything is possible,” said Andrew. “Anyone with a disability has a special power within them. We don’t judge the person by the cover. If you took the chance to talk to them more and get to know them more, you would see that.”
