Teamwork Empowers Lives
T
hanks to collaboration with AutoZone, two
people supported by SRVS have found rewarding positions that are earning them
money and bringing them personal fulfillment. Eric Ryan and William
Hunter have made great strides in becoming self-reliant and independent.
Through SRVS Community Employment Program, they have transitioned from a
sheltered workshop environment into full-time employment at AutoZone’s
fulfillment center in Memphis, TN.
Their
job is to take AutoZone packages from a conveyor belt and sort and stack them
onto pallets which are headed for either ground shipment or next day air.
They also shrink wrap the packages.
It
did not take long for Eric and William to train for their jobs because they
transferred the warehouse skills they learned from working at the SRVS
Industries workshop. They are so excited about their jobs that they
even arrive early to work.
“I
got friends and I like having a good team to work with and a boss that cares
for me and gives me instruction,” said Eric. He is also happy about the
transition into community employment. “I like it here – the work is
interesting and challenging and I work with good people.”
“I like it here – the work is interesting and challenging and I work with good people.”
Fulfillment
center Manager Dennis Johnson said his staff was at first reluctant to hire a
person with a learning disability, but now are looking to hire more
individuals. “We are thrilled with Eric and William. Their work
ethic is impeccable — before, our lines were full and now they are consistently
empty,” said Johnson. Johnson also said that Eric and William were eager
to be included in the company’s activities and to socialize with the entire
staff.
Back to Community Employment Services