Janus: 40 stories for 40 years . . .
A gift from the heart is so full of meaning and love that it easily outshines even the most expensive store-bought gift.
Austin Phillips creates his own special gifts of heartfelt artwork by taking simple metal screws and inserting them, in specific artistic patterns, into wood boards. Each design is unique and has special meaning. Austin also designs and creates wooden trays which can be used as serving pieces. Austin loves to share his art with others and in his words “make people happy” by gifting his artboards and handcrafted trays to others. His positive attitude and enthusiastic personality is another special gift that Austin shares with others on a daily basis.
Diagnosed with autism at age 2, Austin received therapy and services as a child and teenager. When Austin graduated from high school, he moved to Hamilton County with his family and they began the search for services that would be a “good fit” and meet their needs and expectations. Their search brought Austin and his family to Janus.
When Austin arrived at Janus, he was initially very shy and quiet. As he began working in the Janus Work Experience program, Austin quickly gained pre-vocational skills as he earned paychecks for the work that he did. In just a short time, Austin’s special skills and talents became evident and he began to demonstrate amazing self-confidence and a genuine interest in people.
Now, in addition to participating in the Work Experience program, Austin is busy working in the community at two Cicero businesses. Austin helps with the laundry, folds towels and sweeps the floors at a hair salon. As a restaurant employee, Austin’s job responsibilities include unloading the delivery trucks, putting products away, prepping food, assisting with receipts, and helping others as much as he can.
Gifts from the heart … we thank Austin for warming our hearts and spreading so much joy and inspiration to others.
For more information about Janus’ programs and services, please contact Tim White at (317) 773-8781 or tjwhite@janus-inc.org.