LUKE’S STORY

“Sometimes people don’t know how to react, but when people got to know me they see it’s just me.”  

Growing up, Luke was always encouraged by his parents to dream big and work hard. Living with a disability has been, at times, a challenge for Luke, but he’s never let anything get in the way of his goals.

“There are a few things that I have trouble with, but I’m not going to let that keep me down. I’m going to keep living my life,” Luke explained.

After completing college at Edinboro University, he discovered United Way’s Career Transition Project, which helps people with disabilities find employment suited to their skills and goals.

“I contacted the program to learn about jobs,” Luke explained. “We went over interview questions, and it helped me out a lot.”

He applied for a payroll clerk position with Allegheny County, where Ray Weithorn, Allegheny County’s in-house United Way Career Transition Professional, helped him through the process. Luke was offered the full-time position. He gratefully accepted.

“Ray and I met regularly when I was applying for the job, and now that I’m an employee with the County, we always keep in contact, and I know he’s there to help me,” Luke explained.

Luke is thriving in his job and is learning new skills along the way. “I’ve gotten better at talking to people and understanding more of how to deal with different kinds of people. Communication is a very important thing,” Luke said.

To learn more about United Way’s Career Transition Project, visit https://uwswpa.org/who-you-help/people-with-disabilities/. To learn more about Luke’s story, visit United Way’s YouTube channel.