An Advocate and a Gentleman

by Shabbi Sharifi

NEWTON, MA — Not many of us have the pleasure of saying that we love our job so much that we’ve been there for over ten years. Not many of us have the experience of working two jobs at once. And for those who do have the experience of working more than one job, not many of them can say they loved both jobs so much that they couldn’t choose which one to stick with long term so they chose … both?

Enter Ben. 

Ben Majewski has been working at O’Hara’s Food and Spirits in Newton, Massachusetts since he was in high school (over 20 years ago), bussing tables and doing dishes. Simultaneously, for the past 11 years, he has been working at Massachusetts General Hospital in their Down Syndrome Program. 

Last month, we celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). NDEAM recognizes the contributions of America’s disabled workers and celebrates inclusive employment policies and practices. Awards are given out all month long to various businesses and individuals, and celebratory events are held. We didn’t want to miss out on the celebration, so we are excited to introduce Ben, one of the many Specialized Housing house members who enjoys meaningful, long-term employment.

We sat down with Ben to chat about what motivates him to show up for work every day — beginning with his affirmation “This is me and this is what I do.” (We wouldn’t mind borrowing some of his confidence.) 

So Ben, I was told you are very busy with two jobs. Can you talk a little about what you do at each job? 

So, I work at MGH (Massachusetts General Hospital) in their Down Syndrome Program on Tuesday mornings, Friday mornings, and every third Wednesday of the month. I’m usually there from 7:30 to noon. But Fridays are normally 12:30 pm-5 pm. I’m actually going to be at O’Hara’s this morning. I bus tables and do dishes. I also set up the restaurant for lunch hour which is from 11:30 to dinner. I’m usually there from 10-1. I’m there on Thursday mornings and Sunday mornings. 

I always like to ask this of people who work two jobs, do you have a favorite of the two? 

I love both jobs, actually!

You’ve been at O’Hara’s since high school! That’s a long time. How did you get involved with both of these places?

I’ve had the MGH job since 2011 so it’s coming up on the 11 year anniversary in November. And O’Hara’s — I’ve been there since high school. I had a few job coaches along the way that kinda helped me out. What’s really great about MGH is I have a lot of Down Syndrome experience. A lot of my friends have Down Syndrome, I have Downs, I live with someone who has Downs. My girlfriend, Beth, has Downs. 

Yeah! So talk to me a little about what you do in MGH’s Down Syndrome Program.

I’m a Resource Specialist, so I help with talking to families, young kids, adolescents, older adults, and talk to them about related issues like Celiac [disease] or other things. I may have the same things, so I share that experience with them. I really enjoy it and I have fun with it. 

So, you’re the guy with all the information! I bet that’s certainly helpful and reassuring for the families. So, I want to circle back to O’Hara’s. I still can’t believe you’ve been there since high school! What’s kept you there for so long?

Ah well, the food’s always been great. But I really enjoy it. I have a lot of friends. I have a guy, Michael, he took me under his wing. He’s funny, he’s got a great personality. 

I’ve heard you do a lot of advocacy work.

Yeah, that’s correct. I’m in a Self-Advocacy group, the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress. It’s an advisory group specifically, participating in events throughout the year: walks, conferences. It’s been a little slow because of Covid but we’re trying to start the advocacy group back up in person soon. 

How long have you been a part of the group?

Oh, a long time. I don’t know how many years. I really enjoy it. I have a lot of friends there. There is another Resource Specialist who's there, too. She’s a Special Olympian. They hired her to be at MGH on Thursdays because I’m not there.

What is your most favorite work you’ve done with this self advocacy group?

I think using my knowledge of Downs Syndrome. We had another group over at my employment program. We had a group that came together and talked about many projects like crosswalks or traffic lights, etc., and that was kind of like the same work but with the Down Syndrome group, it is a little bit different. 

In the spirit of celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month, I wanted to ask you if you could talk a little bit about what your jobs mean to you? 

Given my knowledge…because I do have Down Syndrome it makes it a bit easier for a self-advocate to do this work. So, really, what it means to me is that this is me and this is what I do. My parents have been a big part of this, too. My mom, my dad, they’re the ones that got me started.

So Ben, aside from all the hard work you do, I heard you are a sports fan! What teams do you support?

Oh, Boston! The Red Sox. I worked on the Red Sox grounds crew. During the season I would water the infield, set up bases, put away batting practice, things for the opposing team. That’s been a lot of fun. I don’t know how many years I’ve done that. I actually met David Ortiz. 

Switching gears, I’d love to hear more about life at the SHI house where you live in Newton. How long have you been a house member there?

For about 4 years. I didn’t know most of the people before they moved in, but I really enjoy them. We have dinner every night. Breakfast is more on our own, but I really enjoy the community here. I can walk to O’Hara’s from here, it’s easy. I have a lot of friends that I didn’t know before. 

You mentioned that you love the community aspect about SHI homes. What do you enjoy most about the community?

So, a typical day here really is we have breakfast on our own or go off to work or a day program, and then in the afternoons, just kind of do whatever. A lot of us are athletes for Newton Athletes Unlimited. We have a lot of evening activities. Monday is usually Zumba and yoga. Tuesday is weight training and running around the track. Thursday is a chorus group where we sing Broadway songs. 

Are you a singer?

Yeah, I sing. I really enjoy it. All my friends do it. All my housemates do it. We have an event for the athletes and we were sponsored by one of O’Hara’s sister restaurants. We raised a lot of money. 

Can you talk about Newton Parks and Rec?

Yeah, so there’s a lot of programs. My dad’s a coach. We do floor hockey, soccer, bowling, baseball. Right now we’re in our soccer season, but it’s probably coming to an end soon because the weather is changing. It’s great. 

So you work two jobs and it sounds like you’re involved in a lot of different activities and groups. How do you make time for fun and relaxation?

Well, I get off from O’Hara’s at 1 and I normally come home and grab some lunch. Sometimes I have other Zoom things.  My mom and dad are coming today. I have to make sure my room is clean. My brother teases me if my room isn’t clean. His room is clean but I’m more organized. I also see my girlfriend, Beth.

Is there anything else you wanted to chat about before we wrap up?

I think that the bigger picture is that people who have developmental disabilities can do anything. They can work. They can find jobs in their community. They can do a bunch of activities, they can do anything that they set their minds to. And I think that’s what it’s all about.

We agree, Ben! Thanks for taking the time out to chat with us today!