Crew Member At Glastonbury McDonald's Turning More Than Burgers

GLASTONBURY, CT — At the Glastonbury McDonald's, graduation season has meant more than serving up orders of fries. It's been a testaments to the a company emphasis on giving back.

Crew member Shavone Watson is an example. She began working at McDonald's in Glastonbury in March and within just three months, was able to move herself and three children out of an "abusive household" and obtain her GED. She now plans to attend college for a nursing degree.

"I was told I would not amount to anything and that I would never be successful," Watson said. "I proved my family wrong the day I applied to McDonald's."

Within days of beginning her job, People Manager Liz Pelletier formed a connection with Watson, which led to mentorship, guidance and encouragement. Pelletier said she "puts her team first," makes it a priority to "encourage and guide them professionally and personally," while supporting them with benefits like flexible work schedules and the Archways to Opportunity program, in which employees can earn their high school diploma, take English as a Second Language classes and receive college tuition assistance.

“In partnership with our local owner-operator, Scott Taylor, I am proud to help build a true culture of care at McDonald's, where we champion our people to grow and thrive – inside and outside of our restaurant – to achieve all they want in life,” Pelletier said. “Most don’t realize almost every McDonald's is owned and operated by local families and small business owners. It is this local community mindset that has helped shape the Glastonbury team into a tight knit ‘McFamily.’”

The team at the Glastonbury McDonald’s is so close, Watson even calls Pelletier "mom" now.

"Liz is not just my boss," Watson said. "She's my family. I call her mom. She's provided me with incredible mentorship and has built up my confidence to get me to where I am today."

Once homeless, Watson has been able to work extra shifts and study more frequently. Watson and her 7-year old daughter and 1-year old twins are now living in a "safe home," and she is able to work toward her future career goals.

"Shavone is a special person and I am proud to play a small part in helping her succeed," Pelletier said. "I can’t wait to see what she does next."

Watson aid she plans to continue working at McDonald's while she pursues her next goal of obtaining her nursing degree.

"One of the biggest things I've learned as a local McDonald's owner operator for the past 21 years is that creating a special workplace environment where people feel cared for and are supported is what keeps them," Taylor said. "The relationship between Liz and Shavone is difficult to replicate and is a prime example of what makes our organization so special."

Connecticut McDonald’s currently have more than 3,300 open positions right now.

"I’d encourage anyone to consider McDonald's as their next career choice," Watson said. "McDonald’s offers much more than just a job. It can help people build a true career, develop life and leadership skills, offer amazing benefits, and, in my case, completely change your life around for the better."

When Watson walked in her cap and gown at the Hartford Police Academy recently to officially obtain her GED, Pelletier was in the crowd cheering her on, alongside Watson's children.