Contributed PROGRAM WORKS — Hope Martin has built her confidence and independence by working at Riesbeck’s Market in Toronto during the past two years. She gained her job with assistance from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities and the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities Community Employment Services.

TORONTO — Hope Martin has found confidence and independence as she makes her way in the working world.

The Toronto woman has been employed with Riesbeck’s Market in her hometown for the past two years and has been serving up deli orders and smiles to patrons. She gained her job with assistance from Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities and the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities Community Employment Services.

She put a face to the purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which is observed every October by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. NDEAM celebrates the value and talent workers with disabilities add to America’s workplaces and economy and the purpose is to confirm a commitment to ensuring disabled workers have access to good jobs. That’s the spirit behind this year’s official theme of “Access to Good Jobs for All.”

Martin works four days per week and her job has afforded her opportunities to live in her own apartment with her cat, Karma, and purchase a vehicle. She said she enjoys her job and being around the people.

“I love it here,” she said. “It’s all about the people. I find that when everyone comes together and supports one another. Teamwork truly makes a difference!”

She said she swiftly transitioned from washing dishes to working in the deli within weeks.

“They needed help and I’m a really quick learner,” Martin added. “I love working with them and (deli manager Dee Dee Dawson) is a really good boss.”

She was grateful to CES for assisting her along the way and always ensuring that she was progressing well.

“It’s very helpful that they come and check on me. The fact that they helped me find the job is the best and I can’t imagine being at another job.”

CES Specialist Renee Pastre-Hanlin recalled Martin’s beginnings when she was timid, but since then she has grown more confident in herself and her capabilities.

“Hope was brought in for an assessment and was hired, and they’ve monitored her. She started washing dishes and then was slicing meat and assisting customers,” Pastre-Hanlin said. “She’s come a long way.”

Dawson was impressed with Martin’s transformation and work ethic.

“She’s wonderful. She helps everywhere,” Dawson continued. “I show her things and she picks them up really fast. When she first came here, she was really shy, but now she’ll wait on customers.”

The CES is engaged with 25 individuals and has established partnerships with several participating businesses, including Rural King, Kroger, McDonald’s, Burger King, Eat ‘N Park and Parkhurst Dining at Franciscan University of Steubenville.

“We job search according to their interests,” added CES Specialist Elyzabeth Grimm. “The individual attends an interview and it’s tailored to them.”

Pastre-Hanlin stated that OOD may refer individuals, and on-site and off-site job coaching is offered to prepare them for the workforce. She credited Riesbeck’s and other sites for recognizing the ability of CES individuals and allowing them to be part of the team.

“Riesbeck’s has been wonderful as far as mentoring Hope and being supportive of her,” she noted. “It really does take a village.”