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Slava was hesitant to talk. He preferred to assist his work colleagues who depend on his help.

Eleven years earlier, Vladislav (Slava) Vulikh , then 13, emigrated from Russia with his family and was enrolled as a special needs student in Mercy Centre’s school program. Slava had little English language skill and was initially shy, insecure and withdrawn. With encouragement from his teachers, he gradually made friends, improved his English, overcame his shyness and thrived. He was eager, focused and perservering, and always had the support of his parents and grandparents. In just under ten years, Slava went from a withdrawn young teen to a successful, upbeat, motivated young man.

Slava graduated at age 22, and joined Mercy Centre’s adult employment training program. He learned work skills through supervised off-site jobs at Anna Maria College and on Mercy’s mobile cleaning crew.

Now in his mid-twenties, Slava is employed part-time sorting and packing food at Catholic Charities Food Pantry and at Standard Auto where he stocks tires. Slava developed new friendships at Standard Auto as he does wherever he works and was “Employee of the Month” twice this year at Mercy Centre. Outside of work, his love of basketball earned him two gold medals in the Special Olympics.

Slava has overcome significant barriers and has embraced life. His open heart and willing spirit are valued and appreciated in the community. He can also count on his family’s love and support which have been vital factors not only to his employment success but to his personal achievements as well.