JUNE 2026 - DORS Business Services Representative Savannah Buskell was recently approached at a resource fair by the relative of a former DORS consumer. Savannah: “She shared that Kyrell has maintained stable employment thanks to DORS and expressed great appreciation for DORS services and support!”
Both Kyrell and his mother, Davina, were contacted by his former counselor, Christopher House Jr., and agreed to tell us more about his positive DORS experience.
Kyrell first connected with DORS through Progress Unlimited. Davina: “He was doing an internship there and they suggested DORS. He was on a waiting list for another program, so we went ahead and did an application for DORS services. ”
First, he began academic services at DORS Workforce & Technology Center (WTC) in February of 2019. He was interested in the Food Service training program, so WTC staff explained that he had to be able to live independently and be able to get up on his own and get to his classes on time.
Kyrell felt he could do this and ended up enjoying dorm life. “It was the best time of my life!” He liked being with his peers, socializing, and making new friends.
Deveena: “He had a lot of [dorm] activities during off hours that were a lot of fun. That was really nice. And as a mom, I liked the independence that he built living in the dorm and learning to manage his time and be ready for class work.”
He did two phases in the Food Service program. First, he worked the breakfast shift behind the counter in the WTC cafeteria, and then alternate shifts. Then was invited to stay a few weeks extra and learned to do food prep in the kitchen, working with cafeteria (a BEP program) manager Jim Papania.
After his June 2019 graduation from WTC, Carrie, a service coordinator at Progress Unlimited, worked with Kyrell and his family and eventually helped him land a job at Stephenson University. The campus is very convenient to their home, and the work allows him to be around peers and be in a social environment.
Kyrell has been working at Stephenson University in student food services since August of 2019. His favorite part of the work? “ I like to talk with customers; they are my friends. My other favorite part is serving food."
Tyrell is also very active in Special Olympics. He participates in basketball, soccer, and track, with his favorite being basketball. His mother says he excels in track and soccer, because “His strength is speed.”
When asked what he would tell other job seekers with disabilities about DORS, Kyrell said: “The dorm was the best. I had a nice room and roommate. DORS can help you be independent… and they help you learn new things.”
