ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Everyone, it seems, is looking for good help. In Rochester, there’s a program that’s helping potential hirees prepare for their next job, including one man who’s been through a lot. He’s excited for his present and his future.

When Mark Bianchi arrives at the Foodlink Community Garden in Rochester, he looks around, sees what needs to be done, rolls up his sleeves and gets to work. Bianchi began the job in the Spring.

“It was great,” said Bianchi. “I’m like, 'oh my God.' It was great. Good stuff."

Bianchi was born with autism and survived cancer. He found the job through a Lifetime Assistance program. It’s an internship that provides paid work experience.

“They said you can be lawn care and maintenance,” he said. “And I said that’s a good job for me because I’ve done it before and I love it.” 

Mark is the first Work Experience Development Program enrollee to work at the Foodlink garden, an urban oasis in the city’s Edgerton neighborhood.

“It’s definitely a hidden gem in the area,” said Frank Keophetlasy, Foodlink Community farm manager. “An area that can use some work and some attention.”

That is exactly what Bianchi does, maintaining the garden for the families that use it — most from the community —  many of them refugees who plant and harvest their own produce. It’s a perfect fit.  

“He’s had jobs in the past that maybe weren’t a good fit,” said Lisa Owen, Lifetime Assistance transition and placement specialist. “And so when a job is not a good, fit you’re not successful.”

“It's really a win-win, because they're getting some extra help,” said Jennifer Everett, senior coordinator of community employment for Lifetime Assistance Vocational Services. “And we're getting our person, they’re experience, and then we have employers after the internship ends, hire them on.”

Mark says that’s his goal. He’s already setting a great example.

“One of the funny stories we were just laughing about, he’ll text us at 7:50, ‘I’ll be a little late’ and he’s a minute early,” Keophetlasy laughed and said.

It’s been said hard work pays off. It’s also been said if you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life. For Bianchi, both are true.

“It feels great,” he said. “You can’t compare it to anywhere else. You just can’t.”