Giant Eagle Foundation supports integrated community employment for over 10 years

The Giant Eagle Foundation has been working closely with Summit DD’s Employee Development Services to create job training and employment opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. Since 2002, Summit DD’s Employee Development Services has received grants from the Giant Eagle Foundation that allows for those seeking employment to work in the community and develop valuable skills. “What is most important about our partnership with the foundation is the monetary contribution that allows adults with disabilities the opportunity to receive paid career exploration in the grocery/retail industry,” commented Staci Nevels, Employment and Training Manager at Summit DD. “It also gives us exposure in the community while showing the community that adults with disabilities are able and capable of doing the work and are valued for the work they do.”

Those working in stores learn how to stock shelves, develop customer service skills and gain other important qualities such as attendance, punctuality and productivity. Training in local Giant Eagle stores, made possible from the grants, has resulted in adults gaining employment at Giant Eagle stores as well as other businesses in the community. “I loved it,” Armanda shared with a smile. She recently finished up training at the Cuyahoga Falls store. “I like to learn new things,” she expressed. “I was hoping to stay, but it was time for me to go on to the new job.” David, who also received training at the Cuyahoga Falls store, became an expert as to which products go in each aisle. “I stocked shelves in every aisle,” David explained. “I know where everything is. They have lots of different products and stuff there. I like that.”

Read more at www.SummitDD.org/Blog