Pocono News Section

Woman With Special Needs Shares Recipe, Spirit

Woman With Special Needs Shares Recipe, Spirit - Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 7:38PM EST

Reported by: Kyla Campbell
Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009 @ 07:38pm EST

WEST BRUNSWICK TOWNSHIP, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY -- Christine Elliot's chili recipe has won awards for her chili recipe at local competitions. Now, it's earned her a spot as an employee at 3 C's Family Restaurant here, where other workers are learning more than just her recipe.

Elliott is a 20-year-old with a big heart, an infectious smile, and Down syndrome. And she makes a great chili recipe at the restaurant.

"After stirring the chili will, I put the kidney beans in, then put tomatoes in," said Christine Elliott of Deer Lake, who says her extra kidney beans make it better.

Restaurant owner David Crouse heard about Christine's chili at the Schuylkill County Fair last summer, where it won a blue ribbon. Crouse hired her in October.

"Our chili is a little sweet and tangy with a little bit of spice in it, but hers is hot and spicy but not too hot," said Crouse, who adds, their chili recipes don't compete. "They're very different."

"I thought it was fantastic," said Nicole Mozeko of Hamburg. "Just the right amount of spice, not overly spicy, with just a little bit of a tang."

Christine is working at the restaurant with help from the AHEDD Agency, which helps employ people with special needs.

"He's done a lot to help bring Christine along, very understanding, very nice to work with somebody who does that and gives people a chance," said Debbie Sinkovich, Employment Specialist with AHEDD.

Christine gets a chance to learn every day.

"I learn here, how to do dishes, put them away, and do other stuff," said Christine.

And people working here learn from her.

"She definitely gave me a different perspective on life, as far as being able to do what you want to do," said the owner's son, Brian Crouse.

Christine hopes to eventually work more hours at 3 C's and help the wait staff on busy weekends. But most people will probably ask her for her specialty.

The restaurant is along Route 61 in Orwigsburg. If you want to try some of Christine's chili, 3 C's is open Monday through Friday 5am-2pm and weekends from 6am-2pm.

If you're interested in learning more about AHEDD, they have offices throughout the state. You can copy and paste the following into your web browser: www. ahedd. org