A partnership formed by a common goal: Helping those with disabilities find jobs

GREENVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – A company here in the east has partnered with Eastern Carolina Vocational Center (ECVC) to help those with disabilities find jobs.

We all know how challenging it can be sometimes to secure a job or career.

For those with disabilities, it can be even more difficult. That’s why ECVC partners with businesses to help those with disabilities, not only find jobs but help aid them in their success.

Food Lion has partnered with ECVC for several years and hires employees from the facility.

Alex Hernandez was hired from ECVC as a quality assurance employee at one of Food Lion’s locations in Greenville. Hernandez has been working here since last year and takes pride in his job.

“When it comes to cleaning, that’s the important part. One of the parts is to take your time slow down and get your work done. You can take breaks but you have to make sure you get your work done,” Hernandez said.

His place on the team was made possible through ECVC. ECVC helps those with disabilities find jobs by connecting them with opportunities at businesses like Food Lion, who is eager for hard workers like Alex.

“We are an equal opportunity employer so we really want to support our community and the associates we hire, also shop with us so we really want to have a well diverse work staff,“ Food Lion Store Manager, William Williams said.

ECVC job coach Lisa Taylor says we all know how challenging it can be for those with disabilities to secure a job or career – but employers should take a chance.

“If you were to hire someone with a disability, they would be one of your best workers because they are dedicated, they want to work and they love what they do,” Taylor said.

As a team, they make sure the associates have what they need to perform the tasks the right way and be successful.

“It lets people outside of our community to know we employ anyone regardless of their disabilities or anything that may prohibit them from getting work done,” Williams said.

According to Hernandez, he has learned so many valuable skills professionally and personally.

“It helps me talk to more people instead of being nervous around everyone I meet. It has helped me understand the importance of work and how it is to work but it also shows me how tiring work can really be,” Hernandez said.

A sentiment that anyone who works hard would agree with.

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