“If you’re worried that your faith in humanity is diminished down to nothing, fear not, because there are still people like Amanda out there who shine a little brighter, love a little stronger, and restore what seems to be lost.
This remarkable individual is not just a businesswoman and a respected member of the community; above all, she is a mother to a very special child with Down Syndrome. She knows firsthand how those labeled as ‘different’ can be treated by the world. She understands the stares and their impact on self-esteem, not only for her child but for others like him. This understanding makes Amanda fiercely protective, advocating for inclusivity and emphasizing that these individuals are just as valuable and unique as anyone else.
When Amanda learned of an incident at her restaurant involving harassment of an employee with autism by a rude customer, she took action.
Many of the employees at her restaurant are disabled, and Amanda intentionally hires them because she believes in their abilities. She knows they may require more time to learn tasks but are unstoppable once they do. Amanda has a unique approach to running her business, assigning specific tasks to each person so they can excel in their roles. When the customer became frustrated because the employee couldn’t fulfill a request due to lack of training, Amanda responded with grace.
Rather than succumbing to anger, Amanda saw an opportunity for education and empathy. She placed a sign on the restaurant door that read,
‘WE ARE PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND HIRE ALL OF GOD’S CHILDREN.’
For Amanda, this sign was not only a display of appreciation for her employees’ hard work but also a means of safeguarding their emotional well-being. She sees her employees as family and was determined to send a message of acceptance and respect.
As for the rude customer, Amanda remains steadfast in her principles. She stated, ‘If he is not okay with that, then I’m okay with him not coming back. That’s a dollar that I don’t need.’
Amanda’s actions exemplify the power of compassion and advocacy.
