Disability Job Market
- Justin Borses
- Apr 8, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: May 12, 2022
NORTHRIDGE, CA- In 2021, Feras Manna had just begun an internship at Samco Food Store. Using the Bakersfield Arc program, people with intellectual disabilities are given an opportunity at employment. He jumped at the chance and now the workforce and community are reaping the benefits.
The job market for the disabled community is incredibly thin. It can be difficult for any member to get involved, Bakersfield Arc helps with training and preparation as well as communication. At 23-years-old, Samco Food decided to make Manna a full-time employee.
He describes how wonderful it makes him feel, “That makes me awesome inside, because I am the direct hire at Samco, because now I am not an intern no more, I am the employee.”
Responsibilities include restocking equipment, organizing shelves and cleaning surfaces when needed. Bakersfield Arc trained Feras on these tasks and the other employees are loving the work he’s completing.
Jamie Valdez Jr is the Senior Director of Job Development for the company. He says Manna is doing a great job, “So, communication skills, good hygiene, how to deal with difficult customers, how to provide great customer service and as you can see Mr. Feras is doing a great job here at Samco food store.”
The store itself thinks Feras is a complete hit and upper management is taking notice. District Manager Roxy Hernandez says. “He gets compliments from the managers; they wish that everybody would work like him.”
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The program offers a person the opportunity to learn and grow. In the beginning, Feras was asking other employees how to complete certain tasks. A list was made to assist him, but now he doesn’t even need to refer to it. Three other interns are also on their way to transitioning into the workforce. Bakersfield Arc is currently looking for other companies to partner with to help others thrive.
Audio: Bakersfield is Expanding Access to the Job Market for People with Disabilities
By, Justin Borses
Contributions, 23ABC, Bakersfield
Photo, 23ABC, Bakersfield
Audio, Justin Borses
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