My name is Weeden; I live in Oregon, and I work at Grocery Outlet. I was referred to the IPS program by the team at Alder Creek because I had expressed my interest in looking for employment. I had many great interviews, but I never was offered a job because my background check never passed.

As I started to lose hope that an employer would never accept me because of my background, Grocery Outlet decided to give me a chance and offered me a job. I started out as a checker/cashier and then was recently promoted as manager of the dairy department. I am very proud of the work that I have done so far and what I will accomplish in the future.

My employment specialist Nina and I meet about every 3 weeks to check in and see how I’m doing. She has been amazing to work with and is willing to help me in any way possible. It is all the little things she has done for me along the way. She just is a really cool person. I would encourage anyone to get involved with the Supported Employment Program. It has been a great experience.

My way is my way. If you stay true to yourself with the program’s process, you will find the right job to fit your needs. Everything happens for a reason, and I am glad that in the beginning I was rejected because I ended up getting the best job for me. I love what I’m doing, I get to work with a great group of people, and there is nothing else I could picture myself doing.

I would encourage anyone to get involved with the Supported Employment Program. It has been a great experience.

This story comes to us from ColumbiaCare in Oregon. Thanks to Weeden, ColumbiaCare, and Learning Community Member Oregon for sharing.

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