TAKING STOCK : WOMAN ENJOYS WORK AS STORE CLERK.

Byline: Sherry Joe Crosby Daily News Staff Writer

At 8:30 each morning, Sheri Phillips arrives at the House of Fabrics, where she punches the time clock and begins her duties as a stock clerk.

She cleans the restrooms, straightens the fabric bins and sorts and files dress patterns. But the unwavering routine doesn't seem to bother the 26-year-old Canyon Country resident, who has Down syndrome.

``I just love to work and make money,'' Phillips said. ``I just love it.''

Phillips is one of 72 adults who have found work through Plesantview Industries Inc., a nonprofit organization in Saugus that provides employment, job training and counseling for developmentally disabled adults in Santa Clarita.

As a client, Phillips is part of a select group that works outside the center in jobs that range from busing tables at fast-food restaurants to assembling silk flowers at a local plant.

During the first few months on a new job, the center pairs clients with job coaches, who provide training and ensure that clients make a smooth transition into their new workplace.

``She's very independent, a very good worker,'' said job coach Amy McLarty, adding that Phillips barely needs her assistance. ``She catches on real fast.''

Dressed in a blue smock and a ready smile, Phillips diligently sorts through dozens of dress patterns, placing them in metal filing cabinets. Even when asked questions, she scarcely pauses in her work.

It is this no-nonsense work ethic and bubbling enthusiasm that made it easy for Phillips to befriend her co-workers.

``I think she works with her heart. It makes a big difference,'' said craft manager Penny Mathews who said Phillips' enthusiasm has rubbed off on others. ``It's hard to be grumpy around someone who's grinning from ear to ear.''

When she's not working, Phillips attends services at the Church of Christ in Canyon Country where she has been a member for the past 18 years.

She also enjoys playing with her 6-year-old pit bull, Sandy, and watching one of 65 videos in her rapidly growing collection. Her newest buy is ``Top Gun'' with Tom Cruise.

``I just love it,'' she said.

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6 Photos

Photo: (1--color in SAC edition only) Sherri Phillips, l eft, laughs with her job coach Amy McLarty as she stocks buttons at the Valencia House of Fabrics.

(2--SAC only--color) Pattern stocking is one of Phillips' duties.

(3--SAC only--color) Phillips commutes between her home and the store via the Santa Clarita Transit.

(4--SAC only--color) McLarty observes her charge on the job.

(5--SAC only) Sheri Phillips concentrates on matching the buttons to their numbers.

(6--SAC only) Phillips leaves the House of Fabrics at the end of her three-hour shift.

John Lazar/Special to the Daily News