Pat is a shining light at Taco Casa

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) – At Taco Casa in Vicksburg, the sound of sizzling food and friendly chatter is matched by the steady rhythm of a new team member who has quickly become part of the restaurant’s heart.

Pat, a special needs adult with a rare genetic condition, recently joined the staff at Taco Casa, where his dedication and joy for serving others shines daily. Born with double translocated chromosomes, a unique translocation that makes him the only person in the world with his exact condition, Pat has overcome daunting challenges since birth. Arriving eight weeks early and enduring 13 surgeries, he continues to meet life with an unshakable smile and boundless love for people.

“Pat has always had a servant’s heart,” said his mother, Doris Rippy. “He loves to stay busy, and no matter what the task is, he wants to help.”

That passion for work and people has carried Pat through jobs in Vicksburg, from helping at FitChef until its closure to gaining experience in the kitchen at Redwood School through Staffing Solutions. When Taco Casa owner Regan Nosser heard about Pat’s enthusiasm, the opportunity for him to join the team came naturally.

At the restaurant, Pat prepares food, sets up the front of house, keeps stations stocked and even helps in the drive-through. His coworkers and managers have embraced him, creating an environment where he feels at home and valued.

For Doris, that acceptance is everything. “As a parent with a special needs adult, your first concern is always safety—do they feel wanted, will others be kind?” she said. “To see the smile on his face when I drop him off at work brings me so much comfort. I’ve cried several times just watching him be accepted.”

Communication is Pat’s greatest challenge. He has his own language that requires patience and effort to understand. But his Taco Casa team has opened their hearts, proving that kindness and willingness can break barriers.

Doris hopes Pat’s story inspires more employers to recognize the value that individuals with special needs bring to the workplace. “Being different doesn’t mean they can’t fit in,” she said. “People like Pat don’t ask for much out of life; they just want to be accepted and to contribute. If more companies opened their doors, the world would be a better place.”

For now, Pat wakes up each morning ready for another day in his Taco Casa uniform, eager to serve, eager to belong, proving through his determination and warmth that inclusion not only changes his life, but enriches the entire community.