With support from SOAR365’s Supported Employment program, Nathan has built confidence, independence and a career that’s opening doors for others.
Nathan is a fruit ninja.
At Food Lion, Nathan spends his days cutting watermelon, grapes, kiwi, blueberries, strawberries, oranges and more.
“I got some ninja skills and Iโm fast!โ the 26-year-old says with a grin.
Nathan found the job through SOAR365’s Supported Employment program, which helps adults with disabilities build job skills and find meaningful employment in the community.
Each participant is paired with an employment specialist, or job coach, who gets to know their strengths, interests, talents and goals. Job coaches help participants explore different careers, practice interview skills and prepare for the workplace. Once a participant is hired, they continue providing support to both the employee and employer until it is no longer needed.
Nathan has worked at Food Lion for four years and has partnered with his current job coach, Jackie, for more than a year. Together, they’ve built a routine that allows Nathan to thrive. It details everything from what to wear to work to how to clean up at the end of the day.
“When it comes to his job tasks, he’s very independent,” Jackie says. She helps him stay organized by reviewing his daily orders and making sure he stays on track.
Nathan takes his work seriouslyโso seriously that his expertise extends beyond the grocery store.
“Not long after he started here, I was cutting strawberries at home. Nathan was watching me and said, ‘That’s not right,'” says his mom, Ginger, with a laugh.
Thatโs the kind of confidence that comes with the support of SOAR365โs dedicated job coaches.
“A great job coach takes extra time to truly understand each personโtheir plans, their personality, their interests, and how to connect with them,” says Chris Martin, Director of Employment Services at SOAR365. “That allows us to find the right supports and accommodations so each person can succeed.”
For Nathan, those supports include a cut-resistant stainless steel mesh glove that allows him to safely expand his skills. Soon, he’ll be adding cherries and mangos to the growing list of fruits he prepares each day.
Nathan had never seen a mango before, so he wasnโt sure how to find one for the fruit cup he was working on. While heโs learning about new fruits, heโs also gaining valuable life skills โ like asking questions when in doubt. โOne of the things we’re still working on is him coming to me and saying, โHey, I’m not sure what this is,โโ says Jackie.
And Jackie’s support goes even further. As Nathanโs job coach, sheโs helped him build friendships with coworkers in other departments and gain confidence navigating the workplace.
“We love Miss Jackie. She’s amazing,” Ginger says. “She’s not only good with Nathan, she’s good with me. She keeps me informed.”
“Jackie has helped Nathan understand workplace expectations, build confidence, and develop both job-related and interpersonal skills,” she adds.
That independence includes earning a paycheck. Nathan says he proudly spends his money on practical purchases, like new work shoes, and his favorite โ pizza from โfood trucks at the river.โ
For families like Nathan’s, the impact of a job coach reaches far beyond the workplace.
“For families like ours, the role of a job coach is invaluable,” Ginger says. โWith Jackieโs support, my son has been able to succeed. She’s made a meaningful difference not only in his employment, but also in his independence, self-esteem and overall quality of life.”
Nathan’s success has also strengthened Food Lion’s confidence in partnering with SOAR365. Impressed by his growth and the support provided by the Supported Employment team, the store is interested in hiring more SOAR365 participants in the future.
Nathanโs not only a fruit ninja, heโs also opening doors. With a little help from SOAR365, Nathan is encouraging other adults with disabilities to achieve their dreams.
Want to learn more about Supported Employment? Visit our website at soar365.org or contact Chris Martin at [email protected].
If youโd like to donate and help create more jobs for adults with disabilities like Nathan, click here!
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