Hands-on work experience builds confidence, independence, and employment readiness. (A shortened version of this story originally appeared in NEWZ.)
ARC of Hanover Thrift is a busy store, full of clothes, toys, books, art, and all kinds of treasures. But for SOAR365 participants it offers an even greater gift. Itโs a place to build confidence, practice job skills and experience the world of work.
Through a growing partnership between SOAR365 and ARC of Hanover Thrift, participants in Adult Day Support, Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), and Supported Employment programs gain hands-on experience while helping with the day-to-day work of the store.
A Place to Learn & Grow
During each visit, participants take on a variety of tasks. They might hang clothes, organize toys, stock shelves, use tablets to sort DVDs by genre, or help prepare items for shoppers. Some greet customers at the front of the store and help collect information that supports the storeโs operations. The work helps participants strengthen workplace and social skills while exploring different types of jobs and responsibilities.
โThis work experience has allowed our Pre-ETS students to use skills they have learned throughout the years, gain new experiences, build relationships with peers – and earn a few dollars while doing it,โ says SOAR365 Pre-ETS Skills Trainer Maranda. She leads a group of five Pre-ETS participants at ARC of Hanover Thrift: Cornell, Colin, Mikarri, Micah, and Mikael. โOver time, I have seen their confidence, self-advocacy, and motivation increase,โ says Maranda. โIt has been fulfilling to see how theyโve matured since day one!โ
For the staff at ARC of Hanover Thrift, the partnership has become just as meaningful.
โWe try to open our doors because itโs getting harder and harder for day support and employment programs to find safe, welcoming environments to practice skills,โ said Diane Gallegos, Director of Program and Mission at the ARC of Hanover. Diane helps oversee volunteer and workforce partnerships at ARC of Hanover Thrift. โWe try to create a culture of love, honor, and respect for everyoneโs abilities,โ she says.
How the Partnership Works
ARC of Hanover Thrift staff work closely with SOAR365 job coaches to create opportunities that match each personโs interests and strengths. Participants have practiced cash register skills before store hours, completed data entry projects using adaptive technology, designed flyers in Canva, and explored recycling and sorting work.
Diane said the partnership has shown how valuable employees with disabilities can be in the workplace โ not only through their work ethic, but through the positive impact they have on those around them.
โI donโt think employers always understand what a benefit it can be to hire people with disabilities,โ she says. โNot just productivity-wise, but for morale too. I see the joy, smiles, and interactions between volunteers and individuals coming in, and itโs been wonderful.โ
She added that many participants take their responsibilities seriously and show a strong commitment to their work.
โYou have somebody who really wants a job, and theyโre going to do everything they can to be there every day,โ Diane said.
Building Skills & Community
Diane recalled one participant who was unsure about connecting with others when he first arrived. Over time, she watched his confidence grow.
โHe went from saying, โI donโt come to work to make friends,โ to joking with volunteers in the break room,โ she said. โSeeing those interactions and that growth has been wonderful.โ
The partnership has also created connections among the storeโs long-term volunteers.
โSome of our older volunteers may not have had much exposure to people with disabilities,โ Diane said. โSo not only is this giving participants job skills, itโs helping build understanding and relationships. Itโs beneficial both ways.โ
As the partnership continues to grow, both organizations hope it will create even more opportunities for people with disabilities to gain experience, build confidence, and pursue employment in the community.
โWe really appreciate the partnership,โ Diane said. โItโs been incredibly beneficial to us as well.โ
Want to learn more about Pre-ETS or Supported Employment? Contact Chris Martin, Director of Employment Services, at (804) 381-5405 or by email at [email protected].
If you’d like to support SOAR365’s programs, donate today or sign up to volunteer!