Emerson was a participant at the ODC for many years, learning a wide variety of valuable vocational skills, as well as how to interact with others in the community, including coworkers. He was eventually able to take those skills to step out of his comfort zone and obtain employment as a dishwasher at a local retirement community. Others like him at the ODC can have the same experience given the support of the community and the skills that they gain at the Occupational Development Center.