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Diverse Workforces Create Job Satisfaction
Oct 16, 2024
Celebrating the contributions of workers with disabilities and their employers
With the 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.
Each October, People Inc. recognizes National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a reminder to acknowledge the value and talent workers with disabilities add to workplaces and the economy. The national theme for NDEAM 2024, “Access to Good Jobs for All,” speaks to a commitment to expanding the number of employment opportunities for people with disabilities and the quality of those opportunities.
People Inc. currently provides employment support to 500 people with developmental disabilities across 150 local businesses and organizations. People with disabilities gain so much more than just paid employment – they become part of a broader community.
People Inc. recently recognized two of these partners during the WNY Employment Consortium’s annual luncheon. Walgreens and Brothers of Mercy Wellness Campus have created a welcoming work environment so that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can learn, thrive, and contribute to their communities.
Walgreens
Over the past 10 years, several local Walgreens stores have partnered with People Inc. 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 learn 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, and 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.
“Our collaboration with People Inc. enables us to build a community of outstanding talent and promote innovation,” said Julie Oakley, Walgreens Area Field Disability Specialist. “People Inc.'s steadfast commitment to independence empowers REDI participants to achieve new levels of success and enriches our workplace with diverse perspectives and skills. I am genuinely thankful for the work we’ve done together and look forward to further success.”
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 at the beginning, 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, 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.”
Honoring Walgreens for their commitment to creating a successful inclusive workforce during the recent WNY Employment Consortium luncheon are (from left to right) Frank Cammarata, Executive Director Erie County Office for People with Disabilities; Bryan Devans, WNY Employment Consortium Co-chair; Michele Ralyea, WNY Employment Consortium Co-chair; Evan Lukas, Senior Employment Supervisor, People Inc.; Sierra O’bad, Employment Specialist, People Inc.; Neil Sanders, SEMP Participant; Jessica Langley, Walgreens Store Manager; Jeff Zelakiewicz, SEMP Participant; Gerald Przybylski, Employment Specialist, People Inc. and Aaron Cummings, Walgreens Store Manager.
Brothers of Mercy Wellness Campus
For more than 10 years, the team at the Brothers of Mercy Wellness Campus has provided a welcoming and supportive environment in the workforce for people with developmental disabilities. Working in conjunction with the People Inc. Vocational Services Program they provide Community-Based Work Assessments, summer Work Experiences for students and employment opportunities.
“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.”
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.”
Honoring the Brothers of Mercy Wellness Campus for their innovative efforts to provide employment and job exploration opportunities during the recent WNY Employment Consortium luncheon are (from left to right) Michele Ralyea, WNY Employment Consortium Co-chair; Frank Cammarata, Executive Director, Erie County Office for People with Disabilities; Bryan Devans, WNY Employment Consortium Co-chair; Justin Filipski, Director of Food Services, Montabaur Heights/Brothers of Mercy; Christian Lippert, SEMP participant; Lori Rickert, Senior Employment Supervisor People Inc. and Karlena Sammarco, Director of Human Resources Brothers of Mercy.