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JD Pence, United store manager; Guillermo Quintana; Jonathon, Store Director; AidenScaff, Adam Scaff, Serena Charles, Abraham Montalvo, with A&M Employment Services, and Jennifer Cordero, Job Trainer. (Photo by Ann Reagan)
The Texas Workforce Com-mission’s Earn & Learn Program for young adults with disabilities had faced no businesses in Littlefield willing to participate. But then they contacted the United Supermarket of Littlefield who stepped up. When asked how many people are you wanting to place, the Workforce commission replied, “seven”. United Supermarket told them to bring them all over. According to Allison Roberts the Director of Communications for Workforce Solutions South Plains “They came through in a big way for us this summer and we are wanting to really highlight how wonderful they are and how much we appreciate them.”
The workforce Commission partners with local employers to create meaningful work opportunities for students with disabilities aged 14-22. The program is five weeks long during the summer. Through work based learning, students earn a paycheck while acquiring new skills and gaining professional experience. Employers benefit from the addition of engaged and enthusiastic team members at no additional cost to the business since the program is wholly or in part federally funded. On the job coaches are also provided upon request.
This summer the United Supermarket of Littlefield offered a vital opportunity for seven special young adults.