Every October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month reminds us that everyone deserves a chance to work, learn new skills, and be part of a team. For Jackson, that chance came through Winter Ridge Natural Foods and Goodwill.
Several years ago, Winter Ridge welcomed Jackson to its team. Today, Jackson helps with daily tasks like cleaning doors and tables, stocking to-go cases, and keeping the store looking nice. He is an important part of the team.
Jackson’s progress took time. With help from Goodwill job coaches and coworkers, he learned new skills and became more confident. As his skills grew, he took on new tasks and more responsibility. Each new task has helped him learn and build pride in his work.
Goodwill job coaches encourage Jackson to do as much as he can on his own. Sometimes that means giving him extra time to finish a task. These small steps help him build more independence.
Jackson’s mother says the job has made a big difference in his life. He feels connected to others and enjoys seeing people he knows at work. When he sees familiar faces at Winter Ridge, he greets them with a smile.
Winter Ridge has benefited too. Store leaders say Jackson is an important part of the team. His coworkers enjoy working with him and cheering him on. He has become part of the Winter Ridge family. Team members know they can count on him, and they enjoy seeing him succeed.
In a small town like Sandpoint, opportunities like this matter. By working with Goodwill, Winter Ridge has shown that hiring people of all abilities makes a team stronger.