Some people dread going to work every day,
but for James Frasher, finding fun in his job at Kroger has been easy. For the last nine years, James has been employed as a grocery bagger at the store. Today, he works five days a week, full-time. While he takes his work seriously, James has also made a number of lifelong friends who he enjoys spending time with both
on and off the clock.

In his free time, James likes to see movies,
go to dinner at Red Robin, and stop by the
Cone with his co-workers for ice cream.  On Wednesday and Sunday evenings, he attends the Northeast Church of Christ with his friend, Cheryl.  James also enjoys visiting with his family.
           
“I see my parents quite a bit, they live in Middletown,” said James, who has lived independently in an apartment for three years.  He describes living alone as “fun and convenient” because it is close to his job. 
           
“James takes pride in taking care of himself and relying on as little support as possible,” said Andrea Shotts, James’ Support Coordinator. “He receives limited staff support from a residential provider, only six hours a week.  James has made great strides in the last year, recognizing when he needs help and asking for it.”

James has been a dedicated and hard worker in the community for 14 years.  After he graduated from Talawanda High School in 1993, James began attending Butler Tech and studied horticulture for a year.  His first job out of school was at Jungle Jim’s International Market, where he bagged groceries.  Most recently, James worked for four years at the Marriott Hotel, where he was a utility worker, while working at Kroger at the same time.  James decided to stop working at the Marriott in 2005 so he could work full-time at Kroger. 

James also puts a great deal of time and energy into the self-advocacy group he is a part of.  In 2003, his efforts were recognized by Butler County MRDD with the Jeff and Debbie Crouse Self-Advocacy Award. The award is given to an individual who provides leadership on important issues and is able to have his or her voice heard.  Recipients of the award are acknowledged for their abilities to help individuals and show dedication to seeing things through to the finish.

"Members of the advocacy group meet every other month and plan different things.  In July we are doing a retreat at Xavier University for Hamilton and Butler County.  We talk about things like marriage, benefits, leadership, tons of things,” James said.
      
Despite all of his accomplishments, James is a humble and appreciative person.  While he lives solely on his own paychecks and receives no additional governmental funding supports, he credits Lifespan for its help with his finances. He also acknowledges Jewish Vocational Services for the on-site job coaching and skill development it provides once a month.