Resilience After Tragedy: How a Burn Survivor Discovered Employment Stability Through GVRA

In 1988, Joey Brown was on top of the world. He and his brother had just moved out of their parents’ residence and were sharing an apartment in Winter Garden, Florida. Joey was excited about finally being on his own. One afternoon Joey entered the apartment, noting his brother was not at home. He sat down in the living room to watch an Atlanta Braves game. He lit a cigarette. What happened next would change his life forever. 

Joey’s lighter ignited fumes from a gas leak. The resulting explosion knocked Joey unconscious. When he awoke in the parking lot of the apartment complex, a police officer standing over him assured him help was on the way.

Joey was airlifted to a hospital in Orlando, Florida. Doctors determined he had suffered severe burns to 85 percent of his body. Because of injuries sustained during the fire, Joey lost his left arm at the elbow. He has four fingers remaining on his right hand. 

Thanks to a Collaborative Effort, Joey Happily Accepts Permanent Employment

Since that time, Joey has undergone multiple surgeries and has struggled to find suitable employment. He initially applied for GVRA services in 2020, but his case was labeled “not interested in receiving services” because he lacked the supports necessary to keep in contact with the agency. 

A man of faith, Joey has been an active member of Midway Church in Villa Rica, Georgia for many years. Gerry Herlugson, a fellow church member, recognized Joey needed help establishing his independence. With assistance from Herlugson and others in the church, Joey re-applied with GVRA in March of 2024 and began receiving services shortly thereafter. 

Joey’s case was assigned to Amanda Buckner, a Counselor III in the Carrollton office. She determined Joey would benefit from supported employment, so she enlisted the assistance offered by Wiregrass Resource Group (WRG), a supported employment company. Kehli Pope, an employment specialist at WRG, became Joey’s job coach. 

Thanks to the collaboration between GVRA and WRG, Joey secured his first permanent employment opportunity since being injured. Joey found employment in the cafeteria at Central High School in Carroll County. His duties include operating the commercial dishwashing station, managing trash disposal, and proactively assisting coworkers with cleaning their respective workstations. At the conclusion of his shift, the kitchen staff members show their appreciation for work he has done by helping him organize and store dishes. 

Joey’s Job Coach says, “This is Clearly a Man Who Wants to Work!”

Pope has advocated for Joey’s success every step of the way. Initially, his employment with the school system was delayed because he did not pass a fingerprint background check. “After numerous calls and emails, the school system accepted a doctor’s note explaining why Joey no longer has fingerprints,” Pope explained. “I believe in Joey’s abilities; this is clearly a man who wants to work. I met with the human resources manager and convinced her Joey could be an asset if he was placed in an appropriate setting.”

When Joey began his job in the Central High cafeteria, Pope worked alongside him to help him become acclimated to his new duties. For example, she helped him scoop fruit to fill fruit cups that would be served to the students. Joey had been washing dishes with one hand at his church, so that skill carried over to his new job. “He washes dishes like a pro,” declared Pope. “All I did was bring a cart over to the sink so he would have something on which to place clean dishes.”

Following the conclusion of the academic term in May of this year, Joey accepted a position as an aide in the school system's summer feeding program. According to the Carroll County School System’s website, summer meals are available at no cost to children 18 years of age and younger at five pick-up sites throughout the county. Pope indicated once the summer meal program has concluded Joey will return to his role in the cafeteria at Central High School. 

Joey Believes Everyone Can Overcome Obstacles in Life 

When asked if he likes his job in the school cafeteria, Joey says he likes his responsibilities, Miss Bea (his manager), and his fellow coworkers. “I enjoy working. All my coworkers are nice to me. Many people who are disabled don’t want to talk about their disability,” he shared. “But that’s not me. I want everyone to know my story. I believe all people can overcome obstacles in life---just look at me!”

Joey's journey is one that inspires others to count their blessings, says Buckner, his GVRA counselor. “Through his second case with GVRA, Joey was fortunate to also receive support from a fellow church member. With encouragement from GVRA, WRG, and members of his church family, Joey has been able to maintain permanent employment. His employment journey underscores the impact effective collaboration has on producing a successful outcome,” she stated. “It has been a joy to serve him and to witness his progress. My understanding is that his employer wants to hire more workers like him! He is always on time, displays a positive attitude, and is diligent in completing his tasks,” Buckner noted.  

As an individual enrolled in traditional supported employment, Joey will continue to receive ongoing support from Pope to ensure long-term stability now that he is re-established in the workforce. “Miss Kehli is my guardian angel!” exclaimed Joey. “Not only did she help me overcome my low self-confidence, but she also stood up for me. I am grateful to Miss Kehli and Miss Amanda for everything they have done to help me find my way.”

Joey Sets his Sights on Independent Living via Homeownership 

Now that Joey has secured permanent employment, he wants to become a homeowner. For the past 14 years he has lived with his sister, but he longs to be more independent. His goal is to purchase his first home by December. 

To that end, Joey is actively saving. Herlugson, Joey’s friend at church, has established an independent fundraising campaign to assist with Joey’s down payment. “I want to be in my own home by December, so I can celebrate Christmas with my new puppy. My puppy is a beagle. I have decided to name him Snoopy,” he says with a smile.      

“If I talk about Joey’s case too much, I begin to cry, because his story just hits a spot within me,” said Pope. “Joey is an amazing person. I’m glad I got to meet him and I’m thankful to be a part of his journey.”

[Editor’s note: GVRA is pleased to report Joey’s case is scheduled to close on July 20, 2026, as “successfully rehabilitated.” Kehli Pope will conduct regular check-ins through onsite or virtual monitoring to deliver job coaching, to advocate for any physical modifications, and to preserve the stable work relationship at the employment site. Amanda Buckner will continue overseeing the primary GVRA case file, reviewing milestones, and ensuring authorization for retention services. As a client, Joey received the following services: Traditional Supported Employment Services; Assistive Work Technology; Assessment Services; Vocational Counseling; Job Search Assistance; and Job Follow-Along Services.]

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