CONTRIBUTED PROGRAM WORK — Hope Martin has built her confidence and independence working at Riesbeck’s Market in Toronto for the past two years. She earned 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 into the working world.

The Toronto woman has been employed at Riesbeck’s Market in her hometown for the past two years, serving deli orders and smiling at customers. She earned 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 celebrated each October by the US Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy. NDEAM celebrates the value and talent that workers with disabilities add to America’s jobs and economy, and the goal is to reaffirm the commitment to ensure that workers with disabilities have access to good jobs. This is the spirit behind this year’s official theme “Access to good jobs for all.”

Martin works four days a week, and her job has given her opportunities to live in her own apartment with her cat, Karma, and to buy a vehicle. She said she likes her job and being around people.

“I like it here” she said. “It’s all about the people. I notice that when everyone comes together and supports each other. Teamwork really makes the difference!”

She said she quickly went from washing dishes to working at the deli in a matter of weeks.

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

She was grateful to CES for helping her along the way and always making sure she was progressing well.

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

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

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

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

“She is wonderful. She helps everywhere” Dawson continued. “I show her things and she picks them up very quickly. When she first came here, she was very shy, but now she will wait for customers.”

CES employs 25 people 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 look for a job based on their interests.” added CES specialist Elyzabeth Grimm. “The person attends an interview and is tailored for it.”

Pastre-Hanlin said OOD can refer people, and on-site and off-site coaching is provided 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 on the team.

“Riesbeck’s has been wonderful in guiding Hope and supporting her,” she noted. “It really does take a village.”