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In the Beginning
| In 1971, Linda and Norman Diem were licensed by the
State of Michigan to operate a children's foster care home for developmentally
disabled children. In 1984, the Diem's license was increased to six
and changed to an adult foster care home. About this time, Linda and
Norm began to wonder about employment opportunities for the children.
Meaningful employment would mean so much, particularly in the areas
of improved self-respect and self-esteem. What could they do? What
would work? |
Elaine empties the dishwasher. |
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Contemplation
Teamwork loading the dishwasher. |
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In 1989, the Diem's license was increased to twelve
adults. Over the next few years, various employment concepts and their
practicalities were evaluated. Then in September of 1991, Norman Diem
was diagnosed with cancer. He died in August of 1992. Without Norman,
Linda's life partner and father figure to the kids, employment opportunities
were a distant dream. |
Hope
| By 1996, the Diem's foster care home was licensed for
twenty developmentally disabled adults. In 1997, an opportunity arose
when Linda learned of a nearby restaurant that was about to close.
Against the advice of many, she purchased Johnny's Restaurant on February
1, 1998. The dream was at hand. |
Richard and Roy loading the dishwasher. |
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Getting Started
Jill prepping the salad bar. |
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February and March of 1998 were devoted to cleaning
and repairing the facility inside and out. Many volunteers, including
many former "Johnny" employees played a vital role in the
new restaurant. With assistance from the Michigan Rehabilitation services,
important time studies were held and training was arranged for the
special needs employees. The dream was underway on April 7, 1998,
when the all-new Junction Restaurant and Banquet Center opened for
the very first time. |
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