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Diverse Workforces Create Job Satisfaction

Oct 16, 2024


By: Roxane Albond-Buchner, People Inc. Communications Director

With unemployment rate among people with disabilities at three times the overall rate, ensuring that people with developmental disabilities and other disabilities secure and maintain meaningful, competitive employment is an important focus at People Inc.  

Young woman working in a store, handing a bag to a customer

We currently provide employment support to 500 workers with developmental disabilities across 150 local businesses and organizations. Those involved gain so much more than just paid employment – they become part of a broader community.  

Of course, none of this would be possible without our incredible partner organizations that have created welcoming work environments for people we support. Two examples are Walgreens and Brothers of Mercy Wellness Campus.
 

Walgreens

Over the past 10 years, several Walgreens stores have partnered with our agency to create meaningful training and employment opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities through the company’s REDI (Recruiting Employees with Disabilities Initiative) program. The REDI program provides externship opportunities in which people can build a variety of work and social skills in a real-world working environment. Through this program, externs learn to operate a cash register, stock and organize shelves, price and tag items, perform receiving/warehouse work, provide exemplary customer service, and work on other skills to help the person maintain long-term employment. Successful candidates are usually offered permanent paid positions at a Walgreens location. 

Neil Sanders stocks shelves at Walgreens in West Seneca

Neil Sanders, customer service associate at Walgreens in West Seneca

Neil Sanders is very proud of his customer service associate position at the Walgreens store in West Seneca where he is coming up on his second anniversary. His time at work is divided between organizing inventory, managing expiration dates, and learning new skills. Neil said he “Loves his job, works hard, and looks forward to corporate training sessions.”

Neil’s supervisor and store manager Stacey Hooper appreciates working with him in more ways than she imagined, noting his positive attitude and willingness to try things a different way. “Neil reminds me to take a breath and exchange pleasantries first thing in the morning, which then resets my whole day. Working with Neil has helped me to appreciate all the different personalities of our team. I am also becoming more proficient at detailing my ‘asks’ of the rest of the team based on working with Neil.” 

Kevin Krauss checking stock at Walgreens in Williamsville

Kevin Krauss, stock associate at Walgreens in Williamsville

Kevin Krauss, a stock associate for the last three years, said he enjoys the work and, “It makes me feel worthwhile.”  

Katie Yung, who supervises Kevin at the Walgreens Williamsville store, said he is an important part of their team. “Over the years, I have worked with People Inc. to help a few people with disabilities enter the workforce within Walgreens. It is truly wonderful to see these employees break barriers and inspire others to challenge misconceptions about people with disabilities.”

Brothers of Mercy Wellness Campus

For more than 10 years, the team at the Brothers of Mercy Wellness Campus has held a supportive space in their workforce for people with developmental disabilities. In conjunction with the People Inc. Vocational Services Program, they provide Community-Based Work Assessments, summer Work Experiences for students and employment opportunities. 

Christian Lippert washing dishes at The Brothers of Mercy Wellness Campus

Christian Lippert, dishwasher at The Brothers of Mercy Wellness Campus

Christian Lippert who works as a dishwasher is encouraged to do his best by his staff. He said “I am not afraid to learn new things now. They find creative ways to help me and make my job fun.” 

“We value our career development partnership with People Inc. They connect us to talented, dedicated employees who bring great value to our human resources department and supervisors at Montabaur Heights independent living apartments, Sacred Heart Home assisted living & memory care, and Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Center,” said Liam O’Mahony, Director of Marketing & Communications at The Brothers of Mercy Wellness Campus. “Our common goals of recruiting people for quality jobs intersect with our need to ensure our residents receive high-quality service. The skills that People Inc.'s employees provide are immeasurable but equally beneficial is the joy they provide to our residents. They are assets to our workforce and contribute to the positive culture where each department complements the others.”  


Both organizations were honored during the 2024 WNY Employment Consortium’s annual luncheon. The celebration takes place in October during National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a reminder to acknowledge the value and talent workers with disabilities add to workplaces and the economy.

People Inc. has long been an advocate for vocational training and employment opportunities for people with varying needs and abilities. Since 1986, we have helped people train, prepare for, secure, and maintain employment. Learn more about our programs and business services.