In preparation for graduating high school, Megan’s transition specialist connected her with Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), which is operated by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. The program is designed to help students garner basic skills to prepare for employment or post-secondary education.
From there, Megan was referred to Goodwill Columbus for community work experience. She was matched with a free career consultant, Hollie.
Hollie helped Megan complete training at Giant Eagle, one of Goodwill’s partnering employers. Giant Eagle helps transition Goodwill clients from community experience to paid employment.
Together, Megan and Hollie worked on stocking, safety, clocking in and out, and more.
“Megan started to do more and more by herself,” Hollie explained. “Now, I just check in to make sure she is doing okay.”
Megan now works part-time as a stocker in the Health & Beauty department. Currently, Megan’s mom transports her to and from work, but as she gains more self-sufficiency, Megan is learning to drive!
“We have really worked on increasing her confidence,” Hollie explained. “She can now go up to her boss if she is having a challenge, which is significant progress.”
Megan’s mom has also expressed her gratitude for this experience.
“Having Megan work with Goodwill was a positive experience for not only for her, but for us as parents. The initial job training was extremely stressful for all of us. Having a job coach there to help her learn the routine, as well as support and encourage her, was exactly what she needed to transition into a job where she could be independent,” Megan’s mom explained. “As important as it was for Megan to learn the responsibilities of the job, it was just as important for the Giant Eagle team to be informed of Megan and the challenges she has. Without Goodwill mediating through the entire process, it may have been difficult for her employer to see her potential.”
She continued, “Megan still goes into work nervous, but there have been many days when she has come out feeling proud of the work she did that day. As you know, interacting with others is a challenge, but she’s working hard, and every day gets a little more comfortable.”
Megan said, “I am really shy, but I am proud of myself for stepping outside of my comfort zone. Goodwill has helped me, and Giant Eagle is a good place to work.”
