A conversation with Makenson Milfort reveals a well-rounded, thoughtful person who is proud of his life. He lives in his own apartment through AHRC NYC’s Individual Services & Supports, works at a CVS pharmacy in Parks Slope two days per week, and attends Wendy M. Seigel Day Services on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, greeting guests and assisting employees as needed from his perch at the entrance.
Day Habilitation and Employment Success
Makenson, 44, has been a part of AHRC NYC for 22 years.
“I started at Brooklyn Day Habilitation,” he recalled. “I’d been there for over 20 years. After the pandemic I moved to Seigel Center [in Bushwick]. I needed a change after that. I wanted to meet new people and make new friends.”
Makenson enjoys manning the front desk, greeting visitors, employees, and people supported throughout the day.
“It’s not a paid job but I like doing it. I like to answer phones, I take messages, I transfer a call when it needs to go to the supervisors. It’s a good thing for me. I should put it on my resume.”
Already on his resume is his work with CVS. He’s been there for 14 years through AHRC NYC’s Supported Employment Program.
“I clean bathrooms, clean the break rooms, sweep the floors. I restock shelves following returns,” Makenson explained. He also assists shoppers using self-checkout machines, interfacing directly with customers.
“I’ve been comfortable there. I’ve gotten much faster at work from when I started.” In the summer months, his work comes with an additional perk. “I like working in the air conditioning. It’s very cool in there.”
A Fulfilling Life Away from Work
Makenson has lived independently for more than six years.
“It’s quiet at home. I get to do things differently at my own pace.”
Living alone allows him to pursue his favorite leisure activities—boxing (he is a dedicated Mike Tyson fan), healthy eating, and video gaming, where he describes himself as “an old-timer,” favoriting titles like Street Fighter 2 and Mortal combat and preferring classic machines including Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis. Weightlifting is also important to his weekly routine.
“Going to the gym gives me motivation and it gives me self-confidence,” he said. “It lets me be more active.”
Makenson has incorporated journaling into his daily life. “When I write, it helps me release stress–it’s not good to hold it all in. It’s like I’m communicating with someone and expressing myself.”
“That’s My Road Dog”
Racquel Pinnock, Regional Director for Day Services in Brooklyn, has known Makenson for more than 20 years.
“He has demonstrated remarkable dedication and independence,” Racquel said. “I believe his achievements and commitment to self-sufficiency deserve recognition.”
The feeling is mutual between the two.
“Racquel, that’s my road dog,” Mackenson said. “She’s helped me through good times and bad times. I used to have anger problems but that has come down a lot with her help. She’s always been there for me.”
