Now a regular face at Winn Dixie in north Picayune, Johnny Finney came to Picayune over 20 years ago to begin a new adventure.

Finney was placed in St. Michael’s home, formerly a supervised home in Carriere for the intellectually disabled, by his aunt, Finney said.

While living there, Finney got a job at Winne Dixie as part of their program for those with an intellectual development disorder, Katherine Clough, supervisor at Bridgeway apartments, said.

Finney is celebrating his 20^th year at Winn Dixie North this year, starting when he was just 17-years-old, he said.

He works without supervision most days, after years of job training, Clough said.

“He’s been here longer than anyone else at the store,” she said.

All residents of Bridgeway, which is part of the Saint Francis Community Services, are given the opportunity to go to work if they are able, Clough said.

“Everybody should have the chance to live to their full potential and needs to be able to work if they want to,” she said.

In order for those with IDDs to qualify for federal services like Medicaid, they must do everything they can to work, Clough said.

Saint Francis provides job training and coaches, sometimes at the demand of the employers, to keep employees focused, explain tasks or procedures and help control behavior problems, Clough said.

In the past 20 years, attitudes toward those with developmental disabilities have changed drastically, Clough said.

Finney’s co-workers are fiercely protective of him, since he has warmed his way into their hearts, she said.

Dianne Goodrich, one of Finney’s managers at Winn Dixie, said her Monday morning customers come to rely on Finney.

“He gives a level of comfort and continuity,” Goodrich said, who has worked at the location three separate times, and each time she comes back, Finney is there.

When Finney interacts with customers, especially outside, “you can see the excitement,” Goodrich said.

Finney has also matured over the years, becoming less of a “hot-head,” Clough said.

In 2000, the Bridgeway Apartments were built under the leadership of Saint Francis Community Services, where Finney is able to live independently, Clough said.

Today there are about 24 residents at Bridgeway who live independently or under varying levels of supervision, Clough said.

Bridgeway provides transport to work, doctor’s appointments, shopping and anything else the residents might need, Clough said.

Finney works every Monday from mid-morning to late afternoon, Clough said.

He said his favorite part of the job is bringing in the carts from the parking lot.

He also works some shifts at Claiborne Hill and Walker’s Collision Center, Finney said.

“We are grateful to the many companies, community members, donors, churches, and grant funders who help make Bridgeway’s programs successful for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We appreciate the support we receive to help us sustain and build on the many achievements in our community through the Saint Francis Community Services Bridgeway Program. Johnny Finney is an excellent example of that success,” Bridgeway Director Jason Kirkland said. “The end results are adults in our community with IDD living happily, and self-sufficiently who are adding value to our community through their jobs. This benefits them, their employers and the community at-large.”