Adam works full time at Wal-Mart as a utility worker. He stocks shelves, cleans, and assists with the heavy lifting. He works 40 hours per week and earns $8 an hour. Adam receives full medical and dental benefits and holds stock in Walmart. He lives with his 70 year old uncle and assists with the mortgage payment on his home.

Adam has moderate mental retardation, does not read or write, and only recognizes a few letters and numbers. He rides the public transportation system to get to and from work. Although he qualifies for SSI, he does not receive any financial assistance due to his income from his job.

Adam's supervisor at Walmart says that the only accommodations made for Adam to perform his job was that the employer had to be willing to hire a person with a disability. He states that Adam is a hard worker, dedicated employee and rarely misses work. Thanks to Berkely Cititzens, Inc, one of 43 Trident United Way agencies, and Adam's determination, the only support Adam needs from the human service agency is assistance in making purchases and paying his bills. Adam says that what he likes most about his job is the work and being able to use his employee discount card to make purchases.

When you give through Trident United Way, you give to countless individuals, all with names and faces who live in our community, like Adam. If you have not yet given through the 1998 Campaign, please contact 792-1973 for a pledge form or additional materials. It all begins with the belief that you have the power to make a difference, “The Power of U.”

Trident United Way's 43 Member Agenices

Air Force Youth Center; Alston Wilkes Society; American Red Cross, Carolina Lowcountry Chapter; Association for Retarded Citizens, Dorchester County; Association for the Blind; Berkeley Citizens, Inc.; Berkeley County Family YMCA; Berkeley County Rescue Squad; Boy Scouts of America, Coastal Carolina Council; Boys & Girls Clubs of the Trident Area, Inc.; Carolina Low Country Girl Scouts; Carolina Youth Development Center; Charleston Area Senior Citizens Services, Inc.; Charleston Marine Institute, Inc.; Charleston Speech and Hearing Center, Inc.; Christian Family Y of Charleston; C.O.B.R.A. Sickle Cell Program; Communities in Schools of the Charleston Area; Dorchester Human Development Board; ElderLink, Inc.; Family Services, Inc.; Florence Crittenton Programs of S.C.; Goodwill Industries of Lower South Carolina, Inc.; Helping Hands of Goose Creek; Hotline, Inc.; Jewish Community Center; Juvenile Restitution Program, Inc.; Lowcountry AIDS Services; Lowcountry Children's Center, Inc.; Lowcountry Food Bank; Mental Health Association of the Lowcountry; Navy Youth Activities; Reid House of Christian Service; S.C. Autism Society, Inc.; The Salavation Army; South Santee Community Center; Summerville Family YMCA; Trident Literacy Associaiton (TRILA); Trident Urban League; U.S.O. Council of Charleston, Inc.; The Volunteer Center, Inc.; Windwood Farm Home for Children, Inc.; YWCA of Greater Charleston, Inc.