Meet Kylie #NDEAM

Bally’s employees know customer service and hospitality. People come from all over the Midwest to enjoy themselves at the casino, and they want to round out that experience with the great food in the buffet line. Bally’s can serve hundreds of people during the weekdays, and that number can jump over a thousand per day on the weekends. Part of the guest experience is the interactions with the hard-working men and women who keep the buffet going from the moment guests walk in to the moment they leave. Cashiers like Kylie Henry are a direct part of the customer experience, greeting guests with a smile and sense of humor that turns every moment into a genuine connection.
The buffet line is a fast-paced work environment with many varied transactions to keep track of, but Kylie has got it all handled, and she does it well. Says her supervisor, Stehanie DeHaven, “Kylie brings a lot to the team. She has a great sense of humor.” Stehanie continues, “We have a saying around here, ‘we are not saving lives – we are just serving food.’” The whole team delivers hospitality with heart, laughter, and teamwork, creating an atmosphere where both guests and coworkers feel at ease.

Kylie found the right fit at Bally’s after participating in The Arc’s Community Employment Services (CES) program, where she was allowed to build skills, gain confidence, and learn strategies needed to find the right opportunity and schedule she was looking for. According to Kylie, the experience helped her to “break out of a box” and find the opportunity that aligned with her goals. Even as she started in the kitchen, her direct supervisor, Stephanie DeHaven, recognized Kylie’s strengths, “It was easy to see she was a better fit for a guest-facing role.”

“She brings real value to the workforce. She enhances the culture of her team and the company,” says Stephanie of Kylie’s contribution. “So many employers can benefit from the contributions of people with disabilities. We treat her like everyone else.” Kylie has advice for anyone who might be interested in pursuing a career, “Be strong. Don’t give up.” It was a journey for Kylie to find the right fit for her. “I wanted to give up when I first started.” Now she says, “Don’t doubt yourself.” Her words speak to a resilience that has carried her through challenges and led her to success.

Kylie reached out to The Arc’s CES program which helped facilitate her entry into a new job. With guidance, encouragement, and job placement support from The Arc’s team, she found a role where she could truly thrive. Now Kylie has the work-life balance she’s been looking for, which allows her to spoil her seven dogs and thirteen puppies, caring for them a full-time job itself!

Kylie’s story is a testament to what’s possible when determination meets opportunity. With the right support, inclusion, and belief in her own abilities, she has carved out a path that inspires others to do the same.

The Arc celebrates individuals like Kylie during Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) to support their growth and exploration into their career pathways, and to encourage employers to explore the talents and contributions of people with disabilities in the job force. Use the link below to explore opportunities with The Arc’s Community Employment Services program as an individual or employer: