Insights
Feb 21
Gabriel: EPIC Center a Pathway to Discovery and Employment
For Gabriel, a young man on the autism spectrum, the path to meaningful employment once seemed unclear and daunting. It was Gabriel’s mother, Debra, who discovered Pursuit Center and its job skill exploration program, EPIC Center. “When I heard about the program, I got excited,” Debra recalls. “There were so many choices and opportunities for Gabriel to explore.” This discovery marked the beginning of a transformative journey for Gabriel, one that would unlock his potential and open doors he never knew existed.
EPIC, an interactive classroom within the Pursuit Center, offered Gabriel a unique opportunity to explore dozens of potential careers in one location. “I really didn’t know what I liked,” Gabriel admits, “and this was the best way for me to really find what made me happy.”
Under the guidance of EPIC program manager, Andrea Samuelson, Gabriel committed to attending the program three days a week. “I wasn’t sure I could do it,” Gabriel remembers, “but I tried.” His perseverance paid off. Over 80 hours, Gabriel delved into various modules, each offering new insights into his capabilities and interests.
As he progressed, Gabriel began to discover his passions. “After 80 hours,” he proudly states, “I could say my favorite things were building, cooking, and cutting things apart.” These revelations were building blocks for his future career.
The impact of EPIC extended far beyond vocational skills. Gabriel’s confidence blossomed as he tackled increasingly complex projects. Debra was amazed at her son’s progress: “I was surprised that he could do such advanced projects like wiring a light bulb. It was a safe environment for him to just try things.”
This growth in self-assurance translated into improved communication skills. Gabriel, once hesitant to speak up, began not only participating in conversations but initiating them as well. As Debra observed, “I saw a lot of improvement in my son through the program. He will speak up more in conversations and even start them.”
Gabriel’s journey took an exciting turn when he started working one day a week at MOD Pizza, putting his newfound skills to use. “My favorite part is making No Name Cakes and prepping the pizza boxes,” Gabriel shared enthusiastically. This experience provided Gabriel with valuable real-world work experience and helped build his confidence in a professional setting.
Working closely with his Job Coach, Shannon Derousselle, Gabriel continued to explore opportunities that aligned with his strengths and interests. The insights gained from EPIC proved invaluable in this search. As Debra notes, “This process exposed Gabriel to things he never thought about. It was fun and engaging for us.”
Gabriel’s hard work and honed capabilities contributed to a significant milestone: he was hired as a bagger at H-E-B, marking his first full-time job. This achievement is a reflection of Gabriel’s personal growth, the effectiveness of the EPIC program in preparing him for the workforce, and the ongoing support from his job coach.
For Debra, finding Pursuit Center has been life-changing. “My experience at Pursuit Center has been extraordinary because my son has felt so welcome,” she explains. “I really appreciated the real-time feedback and daily updates. It helps narrow down what he will be happy doing.”
Gabriel’s journey at Pursuit Center is a powerful demonstration to the power of tailored, compassionate vocational training, especially for individuals on the autism spectrum. It’s a story of discovery—not just of skills and career paths, but of personal strengths and hidden potential. As Debra reflects, “The biggest struggle for me was finding programs like EPIC. This program has been a game-changer for Gabriel.”
In Gabriel’s story, we see the profound impact that the right support and opportunities can have on an individual’s life, particularly for those on the autism spectrum. Pursuit Center hasn’t just helped Gabriel find a job; it’s empowered him to secure full-time employment and envision a fulfilling future—one where his unique abilities are recognized, valued, and put to meaningful use.
