PHOTO CAPTION (left to right): John Houck, The Arc Allegany-Steuben’s Director of Business Operations, stands with Isiah Jamison.
An Arc Allegany-Steuben Employee with Disabilities Earned Statewide Recognition for His Work Ethic and Job Performance by NYSID (New York State Industries for the Disabled)
Isiah Jamison Received the William. B. Joslin Outstanding Performance Award
Isiah Jamison, who works in the custom apparel department for The Arc Allegany-Steuben, was one of two individuals who received NYSID’s annual William B Joslin Award for Outstanding Performance out of 45 nominations for 2021.
Isiah works in apparel in an integrated setting. According to his supervisors, his performance has set a standard of excellence for everyone on the team. He is known for his attention to detail in the printing process to ensure a quality product.
“We are so excited about Isiah’s job performance and how high he sets the bar for everyone in his organization. It is incredibly important that individuals with disabilities have job opportunities where they can earn a meaningful paycheck and be included in their community. Isiah is a shining example of the talent pool that people with disabilities bring to employers,” said Maureen O’Brien, president and CEO of NYSID.
Isiah began his career at the Arc of Steuben in 2015 as a custodian. He was quickly recognized as someone who worked hard and paid attention to detail. When an opening came about in the Arc’s café for cleaning and disinfecting, Isiah’s quality of work clearly set him apart from the other candidates, and he was awarded the position. He quickly learned the routine and once again demonstrated his skills and ability. In 2018, Isiah accepted a job in the apparel department where he has continually learned new skills and technology associated with the custom apparel process.
“I love my coworkers and the challenge of producing a beautiful design on the apparel. My job makes me feel good and helps pay the bills, too,” he said. When asked how receiving the Joslin Award makes him feel, Isiah said, “happy and proud.”
One of his daily supervisors, Christina Leasure, loves working with him. “Isiah is a huge part of our team. He’s always putting out ideas on what we can do and what we can try. He’s always willing to try new things, which is a wonderful asset,” she said.
John Houck, who oversees the Arc’s entire apparel business, nominated Isiah for NYSID’s annual awards program, and is thrilled he’s been recognized. “One of the things that has always stood out to me is Isiah’s steady work ethic. He’s always happy. We were lucky enough to get him in the apparel department where he’s brought that work ethic, that attention to detail and pride in his work.”
In his spare time Isiah enjoys cooking all types of dishes, with his favorites being pot roast, fried chicken, and macaroni & cheese. Isiah is also a very big sports fan who follows the Los Angeles Lakers, Buffalo Bills, and New York Yankees. Isiah not only follows these teams, he has in-depth knowledge of the games, players, and the history of the teams.
Isiah’s greatest assets are a positive attitude, commitment, and perseverance in whatever he is challenged with. According to his team, Isiah is an inspiration to all who know him and so deserving of NYSID’s recognition.
