pat on the back - Banks is sailing center's most helpful team member

JENSEN BEACH – The US Sailing Center Martin County's most helpful team member is Joshua Banks.

Executive Director Alan Jenkinson made the presentation on Jan. 26.

USSMC members, parents Bob and Vicki Banks, and the Els for Autism Foundation personnel attended the ceremony, followed by a reception in honor of Josh's cheerful and dedicated work ethic.

Banks, 30, who has autism, came to work at the USSCMC through the Els for Autism Foundation.

Els for Autism Foundation, through The Els Center of Excellence in Jupiter, delivers and facilitates programs that are leading examples of what can be available to children and adults with autism spectrum disorder.

The foundation's Adult Services include lifespan instruction to help adults with ASD transition to all aspects of life through programs in employment services, hospitality work experience, independent living, and recreation and leisure.

The sailing center Martin County partnered with the foundation in 2017, offering a job opportunity to Banks as a part of his vocational training.

The Els for Autism Foundation sends him to work at the USSCMC with job coach Michelle Nelson every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.

"Josh truly enjoys working at the sailing center and is growing in his ability to recognize and interact with others on our property," said Jenkinson. "He cleans and rinses our life jackets, washes the fleet of Hobie catamaran boats, keeps dolly tires inflated, cleans windows and deck tables, polishes elevator doors, shreds documents, and performs other miscellaneous chores.

"Josh is known to be singing a tune whenever he is at work," he said. "He brings cheer to the hearts of our members and guests who see him at work.

"The most helpful team member award is our humble way of recognizing Josh's work performance and positive attitude," Jenkinson said, "as well as the good work the foundation therapists and job coaches contribute to his development and vocational training."

For more information, visit www.usscmc.orgor call 772 334-8085, and visit www.elsforautism.orgor call 561 598-6200.