In 1995, Jethro joined the Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) Supported Employment (SE) program which assists individuals with developmental disabilities with their employment goals. Andy Palasciano was Jethro’s TMI Job Coach for many years, but Jethro had many other coaches during his 27 years with TMI including his most recent Blanca Lopez. According to Andy, Jethro’s TMI support over the years really was a team effort.
Initially, TMI SE Division Manager Brent Ramsey assisted Jethro with job development and helped him secure employment at The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa in San Diego. Jethro then went on to work with The Cohn Restaurant Group at BO-Beau Kitchen and Bar in Ocean Beach for nine years and most recently worked at the Cohn restaurant Pioneer BBQ, where Jethro transferred to when BO-Beau temporarily closed its doors. Jethro’s Head Chef Martin (pronounced like Martini) treated him like family as did the rest of the staff. Jethro helped to make the BO-beau kitchen run smoothly as a line cook and dishwasher. He enjoyed prepping fresh vegetables and seafood for their amazing chefs. According to Jethro’s BO-beau Manager Luna, he was an invaluable part of their team and did an excellent job.
Luna shared with us that Jethro was always talking about TMI. Jethro loved running into TMI managers around town and really appreciated the support he received from TMI staff. Luna could see the difference that TMI made in his life. Andy could see it too, along with the difference that his employment with the Cohn Restaurant Group made in his overall quality of life.
“They supported him well and it meant the world to Jethro,” said Andy.
Not too long ago, Luna came to see Jethro at Pioneer BBQ, which ended up being the last time he saw her. Jethro ran to her and gave her a big hug. They took a picture, and you could see Jethro beaming. Toward the end of Jethro’s life, he was also supported by TMI Independent Living Services (ILS) under Case Manager Keltoum Cherki with Wendy Covarrubias as his ILS Facilitator. They both went above and beyond for Jethro. Jethro’s Regional Center Case Worker Anna Balistreri really pushed for him to get ILS and he thrived under their care.
Jethro loved going on adventures. He traveled to Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, and Alaska by himself. He also traveled to Baton Rouge, Montgomery, and Jackson to see the civil rights museums. He had been planning to go to Nashville, Chattanooga, and Birmingham to see their civil rights museums before he passed on June 18, 2022, from heart complications. Jethro had open heart surgery at the beginning of 2022 due to heart problems which he endured his entire life.
Jethro lived with his parents in San Diego who meant a great deal to him.
Our condolences to Jethro’s family, his Cohn Restaurant Group co-workers, his TMI staff and all who knew and loved him. He will be missed very much! May he rest in peace.
Toward Maximum Independence (TMI) has been transforming the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1981 and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing since 2000. In 2020, we launched Disabled Veteran Employment Services. TMI strives to help our clients to realize their hopes and dreams by providing Employment Solutions, Community Living and Family Support Services throughout San Diego, Riverside and Imperial Counties. To stay connected with us, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Together we can share acceptance and awareness, ultimately contributing to further inclusion.
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