“At first I didn’t have a job,” Austin said. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Austin faced unemployment. He used Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota’s (GESMN) Placement and Supported Employment services to help secure and retain employment.

With the guidance of his career navigator, Alexis, Austin focused on improving his interview, self-advocacy and communications skills. “They helped me with how I’m supposed to communicate, greet customers, write and type,” Austin added.

In 2020, Austin secured a position at Marshalls as a greeter. “My boss moved me to working the greeting stand, but after a while I wanted to do something else that would move my body.”

Austin adapted to a new role in the back-room production, where he thrived. “I helped with lifting heavy boxes, putting items out on the sales floor and welcoming customers,” Austin continued. “My employer appreciated me for being a big, helpful and strong guy,” Austin added. “I also helped train new staff on how to unbox items and greet customers.”

“Austin is very consistent with his work,” Alexis said. “He’s always willing to help, like covering a shift when need be and stepping in to train even if it’s not something he usually does. During our supported employment check-ins, we talk about how things are going and if there is something that needs to be addressed with his manager. He usually goes to his manager independently, but if he’s not successful, then he comes to me. I’m proud of his self-advocacy and his relationships with his managers and staff. They speak very highly of him.”

Austin’s outstanding performance was recognized when he was recently named Associate of the Quarter by his employer. This acknowledgement, along with a pay raise, is a testament of his consistent hard work and dedication, Alexis said.

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