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Meet Kenneth “Kenny” Murphy, he is an adventurous, On his way to the interview Kenneth kept saying “I want
courteous, and ambitious person who likes to watch tel- this Job.” He repeated this mantra during his conversation
evision and talk to his friends during his free time. He with the General Manager, Crystal Boddie, who was so
has been receiving supports through EPIC’s Day Program taken by Kenneth’s personality and ambition, that she
where he takes advantage of our employment services. hired him for the part-time position. “I am not just a store

Kenneth has been seeking employment for the last eight manager,” said Crystal. “I am a member of the community
years and although he became discouraged at times, Ken- and understand the value of diversity and inclusion in our
neth was determined to continue to develop his skills so workforce. I am proud to have Kenny as a part of my
he could find his dream job. team.”

Kenny’s determination was an inspiration to his staff and Kenneth understands the importance of doing good work
the other people EPIC supports. He consistently worked at a pace that he can maintain, so he negotiated a sched-
with his job developer, meeting every Friday to search the ule that benefitted both him and his employer. “COVID-19
internet for job openings. Kenneth expressed his interest will not stop me from being my best on the job. My next
in many positions but working at Kentucky Fried Chicken goal is to be so great that my General Manager promotes
(KFC) has always been his dream. Over time, Kenny’s Job me to a full-time position,” said Kenny. Kenneth expresses
Developer, Cynthia Smith, assisted him in completing mul- daily how excited he is to be able to work and how proud
tiple application many of which resulted in interviews but he is of his journey. He also commends his past and cur-
not employment. However, things turned around when rent job developers for their faith in his abilities and their
he was invited to interview for a position at the Kentucky ongoing support of his employment efforts. We congratu-
Fried Chicken located in Upper Marlboro, MD. late Kenny and all the people who have found jobs
through EPIC.

Shamika Wallace started as a Job Coach at EPIC over a year ago and was recently promoted to her current role
of Job Developer. Shamika is working on a bachelor's degree in Psychology at University of Maryland Global Cam-
pus (UMGC) and expects to graduate this year. Upon graduation, Shamika plans to further her studies by pursu-
ing a master’s degree to become a Certified Career Counselor.

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