Document text
2 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Emergency services, Aug. 21 ... Family of firefighter who died in crash sues for $5 million ... 'Doc' to all ... Emergency services, Aug. 21 ... Family of firefighter who died in crash sues for $5 million ... 'Doc' to all ... A team of two Central Point man gets a helping hand in his first job Comment By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune Posted Aug. 15, 2016 at 12:01 AM By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune Posted Aug. 15, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Social News Seemingly unfazed by near triple-digit temperatures and the fumes of passing vehicles, Central Point residents Brad and Rhonda Villalobos were all smiles Friday as they employed a team approach to "sign flying" outside the MetroPCS store off Medford's Biddle Road. Brad, who is confined to a wheelchair, has garnered plenty of attention for the store for his wide smile and noticeable sidekick — his mom, Rhonda, who holds a giant umbrella over him to prevent sunburn on days when temperatures soar too high. The 23-year-old began working at MetroPCS about four months ago, holding his sign along McAndrews Road near a Carl's Jr. restaurant. While he's awaiting a custom-made canopy for his wheelchair, he admits to enjoying the time he's able to spend working with his mom. Feelings are definitely mutual. "There's nowhere else I would want to be," said the mother. "My goal in life is to do whatever I can to make Brad happy. I'm out here to be his pit crew and give him his water and some shade. And we just love hanging out." While Brad's verbal skills are limited, he has no trouble laughing with his mother and waving at passing motorists. Brad was diagnosed as a baby with neuromuscular scoliosis, and recent surgery improved the curvature of his back from 130 degrees to enable him to sit up straight. Brad graduated from Crater High about five years ago, but he was bored without school and insisted on finding a job, Rhonda Villalobos said. Gwyn Lema, an employment specialist from Creating Community Impact, did some networking with the year-old MetroPCS store and was able to land employment offers for Brad and three of her other clients. "He really enjoyed school a lot, and he graduated and was spending a lot of time at home, and I knew he was missing out on activities with his friends," said Rhonda Villalobos. "When I got hold of Gwyn, I let her know Bradley really needed something that would make him feel connected to the community again. He loves being out here. His highlight is when somebody waves at him or honks the horn at him. He doesn't care for the heat, but he loves feeling like he's a part of something again." MetroPCS offered Brad a two-day-per-week gig, and he immediately accepted. Lema applauded MetroPCS Manager Fern Rennix for being open to working with individuals facing employment barriers and for finding a niche for Brad. "This is a real job like anyone else could have. Bradley uses a wheelchair and he's got a significant disability, but he doesn't let it affect his ability to work," Rennix said, noting that the mother-son team has been a hit with passers-by. "People are very touched to see him out there with his mother holding an umbrella over him while he works. We are working with vocational rehabilitation to get him a canopy — with the colors for MetroPCS — to attach to his wheelchair so she won't have to hold the umbrella forever. But to talk to her, it wouldn't seem that she minds being out there." Teddy Walston, a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the state, said businesses like MetroPCS help eliminate stereotypes about hiring individuals with physical challenges. "There are very often misconceptions about individuals with impediments to employment, but people like Gwyn and Brad have been great champions of this cause along with help from businesses who have a heart and vision for working to give people a chance," Walston said. "Brad has proved that he can contribute just like anyone else could." Asked if he approves of the job he landed, Brad glances, smiling, toward his mom while waving at a honking pickup truck. "I wouldn't change anything about Brad's situation," his mother said. "People can look at him and feel sorry for him, but we don't see any reason to feel sorry. ... He's just like anybody else should be, out here trying to do what he can. Living his life, no excuses." Reach freelance writer Buffy Pollock at [email protected] By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune Posted Aug. 15, 2016 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2016 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501