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A Tuesday in the Southside

Every Tuesday afternoon, Derek Johnson arrives at Achieva's Business Operations in the Southside, a cheerful presence in the busy office. He stops at each colleague's door with a wide grin and a friendly, "Happy Tuesday!" Sometimes he cups his hands around his eyes like binoculars, peering playfully at coworkers as if to say, I see you, and I'm glad you're here.

His greeting, consistent and warm, sets the tone for the office - friendly, welcoming, and alive with human connection.

After his rounds, Derek moves through the office with deliberate care, sweeping floors, sanitizing spaces, and attending to each task. For Derek, every action matters. As his mother, Nancy Johnson, observes, this consistency is part of what makes his work meaningful, "Derek shows us all that meaningful work is about contribution, pride, and making a difference every day."

Across the River in Garfield

At Achieva's VaultArt Studio in Garfield, Derek's younger brother Darian brings a different kind of energy to his work. A celebrated Pittsburgh artist, Darian transforms familiar neighborhoods, nostalgic pop culture, and surreal visions into paintings, illustrations, and sculptures that capture both the eye and the imagination.

Darian brings a calm and upbeat presence to the studio. He does not communicate verbally, but is always listening, absorbing the energy around him as he works. But when he smiles and when his laughter bubbles up, it is unmistakable, Darian is in his happy place. In his years at VaultArt Studio, Darian has been an integral part of cultivating joy and togetherness. Steph Neary, VaultArt Studio Creative Arts Manager, notes, "Darian's dedication, creativity, and unique perspective make him a standout artist in our studio. He inspires everyone around him."

Darian's signature style combines meticulous brushwork with vivid colors, layering soft washes with crisp acrylic details. His cityscapes reflect Pittsburgh pride, while his pop-culture-inspired works blend nostalgia with surrealist creativity. His sculptures are playful, interactive, and invite audiences to explore, imagine, and engage.

Person-Centered Support: The Achieva Approach

Derek and Darian's successes are rooted in Achieva's person-centered philosophy, guided by the Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) framework. CtLC helps people and families of all abilities develop a vision for a good life, identify what they need to know and do, discover or build supports, and create a trajectory toward fulfilling goals. The framework encourages high expectations, life experiences that move the trajectory in a positive direction, and support across multiple life domains —including employment, daily living, community participation, social connection, and advocacy.

For Derek, CtLC principles translate into meaningful employment in a role that aligns with his skills, personality, and interests. Josh Rizzo, Cleaning and Janitorial Manager, explains, "Derek's self-motivation and ability to follow a strict routine-one he created make him an effective custodian."

For Darian, CtLC provides the mentorship, guidance, and connections to develop his artistic talents, navigate exhibitions, and participate in public art projects that expand both his confidence and influence as an artist. Nancy Johnson observes, "Darian has always been imaginative and determined. Watching him create and share his vision fills me with pride."

Meaningful Work in the Southside

Derek's journey to employment reflects the power of personalized support and relationship-based training.

He and Darian previously participated in facility-based employment at Achieva's East Hills program. When that workshop closed, both transitioned to community-based work in the Strip District, participating in neighborhood initiatives like "Clean the Strip." They both excelled in outdoor and janitorial projects, including building maintenance and neighborhood clean-ups.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Achieva's Community Participation Support (CPS) program became a turning point for Derek. CPS focuses on one-on-one, person-centered support that helps people build confidence, skills, and community belonging. Marte Novak, Community Inclusion Manager, explains, "You can't just hand someone a mop or a rag and say, 'Go clean everything.' That's too broad. Derek succeeds because there's a clear pattern, a routine, and consistency."

CPS staff trained Derek directly in the Southside office environment, respecting his need for consistency and trust. Marte adds, "When you work one-on-one with Derek and give him the respect, encouragement, and acknowledgment he deserves, he thrives. If something changes, he just needs someone to walk with him, show him the new pattern, and do it together." Largely nonverbal but deeply expressive, Derek communicates through gestures, eye contact, and his unmistakable smile. His quiet presence and consistent routines reflect more than job performance-they reflect belonging. His work in the Southside office is not simply about maintaining a space; it is about contribution, dignity, and being recognized as a valued member of a workplace community.

Art and Achievement

Like Derek, Darian initially participated in facility-based employment and later in neighborhood initiatives like "Clean the Strip," demonstrating reliability, focus, and engagement.

For Darian, a new chapter opened with the creation of Achieva's VaultArt Studio. He was referred from the facility to the studio, which, under new leadership, expanded significantly and offered opportunities for participants to develop and showcase artistic skills.

Darian's dedication to art was evident from the start.

With a robust studio practice since 2017, his hard work steadily paid off through local successes, including consistently selling artwork at VaultArt's First Fridays, Garfield's monthly open house of neighborhood businesses. Eight years in the making, that commitment culminated in a major career leap in 2025. His talent gained recognition both locally and beyond, with features in Table Magazine's 2025 spotlight on Pittsburgh artists and selection by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for a public art installation at Arts Landing. Exhibitions across the city and nationwide further highlighted his creativity, originality, and growing impact on Pittsburgh's arts community.

Darian's art is more than visual-it tells stories, evokes emotion, and inspires imagination. His paintings, illustrations, and sculptures challenge viewers to see the city and culture in new ways, while his public projects make his creativity a visible and meaningful part of Pittsburgh's cultural landscape.