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McDonald’s Employee with Down Syndrome Retires After 32 Years of Dedication

Long-time McDonald’s employee, Freia David, celebrates 32 years of being in the workplace. Freia, who has Down syndrome, started working at the Needham McDonald’s in 1984. Freia was the first of many success stories that show how adults with disabilities can thrive in the workplace.

Freia was one of the first to benefit from the Charles River Center program that placed adults with disabilities in different jobs.

Since 1984, Freia has worked and bonded with the employee family at the Needham McDonald’s. When she announced that she was ready to retire at age 52, the Needham McDonald’s threw a huge party for her!

What started as just a party with fellow employees and friends turned into a 100 party-goers packed into the fast food restaurant. Freia was presented with gifts, a large cake, and even a recognition from the MA House of Representatives.

Her bosses and fellow employees gave rave reviews of her work performance and her tireless spirit. Freia’s story exemplifies the message we continue to believe in and work to spread through the “Your Next Star” campaign.

Read more about Freia in the Boston Globe article.