Write-Up from Mississippi Department of Employment Services on MIB's External Employment Program

Big Rock Cafe Youth Workers Graduate

"Georgia Gowdy and Tichina Johnson, student workers in our MDES state office snack shop, were recently members of the 2013 graduating class at the Mississippi School for the Blind.  The two will be assisting Terry Lowery and Daniel Bennett this summer in the Big Rock Cafe at the state office.

Georgia, better known as Peaches, is a 21 year old from Byram who dreams of becoming a culinary artist.  she plans to attend Hinds Community College Raymond Campus in the fall.  After graduation from Hinds, she plans to attend Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School in Atlanta or Texas.  Her dream is to become a topnotch chef and run her own snack bars.  At MDES, Georgia runs the cash register, helps keep the dining area clean, and serves and assists the customers.

Tichina, known as Shina, is an 18 year-old native of Lexington and aspires to be a Music Engineer.  She plans to attend and graduate from Hinds in Raymond and Jackson State University.  She loves mixing rap music and making tracks that can be identified by ear.  Tichina stocks condiments and soft drinks, and makes sure everything is clean and running smoothly in the dining area.

Georgia and Tichina have received training and placement assistance from the Addie McBryde Rehabilitation Center for the Blind for the past two years.

'Assistance is donated from the Mississippi Industries for the Blind for transportation and evaluation and the Business Enterprise Program which provides summer work for these students,' said Rosie Gibson, Director at the McByde Center.  'These programs help us train and place eight legally or totally blind students each summer in positions to help them become successful, productive citizens.'

Georgia and Tichina will work in the Big Rock Cafe from 8 a.m. till noon Monday through Friday this summer."