​The role that SmART! Supplies plays in the lives of its employees is far more impactful than a regular old run-of-the-mill retail job. SmART! Supplies is a retail store, of course, but the heart and soul of the store is defined by its employees and interns with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the people who cheer them on and champion for them every single day.

Tyrone has worked at SmART! Supplies since its opening in 2014. He’s a thirty something guy, who happens to have an intellectual disability. He’s vivacious, full of energy, and is quick to call you “friend.” Tyrone doesn’t just walk into a room, he bounds into it.

“He’s the first to say ‘Hello, good morning,’” shared Kyle Graden, Outreach and Marketing Manager of SmART!. “He boosts morale and sets the tone in the store. It’s easy to care about Tyrone.”

Since starting at SmART! in 2014, Tyrone has grown into his position. His previous experience consisted of wiping down tables in dining facilities, which was a great first start, but those roles lacked the opportunity for growth that SmART! has provided. At SmART!, he has many different responsibilities and is always improving. He collects boxes of donations from customers as they come in the door, greeting them happily and getting them a tax form if need be. He sorts donations in the back and stocks shelves. He helps with projects like making gift tags out of old greeting cards, which are sold at the store. And most remembered by visitors is his exceptional customer service.

“Tyrone is always eager to show people around and give them tours, but not in a ‘know-it-all’ kind of way. He’s excited and proud that he can do it,” shared Laurel Sprague, Retail Manager of SmART!. “He’s so much more able to speak with strangers now; he’s more prepared for interviews. It’s my hope that one day he’ll be able to use what he’s learned here in his life regardless of where he is.”

It’s important to stay flexible when working with someone with an intellectual disability. Just like all of us, Tyrone has good days and bad days. If Tyrone is super-focused on a certain task or what’s going on in the moment, staff flex to his needs and align tasks to better fit where he’s at.

Kim Poole is a Job Coach and supports employees at SmART! to be successful in their roles. “Tyrone is one of those people that is an all-around good person. He can adapt so well to anything thrown his way. He brings smiles and happiness to the team dynamic. He’s also very witty and loves to joke.” She shared that one of his favorite jokes is, ‘What’s the number for 911? I don’t know.’

Tyrone shared that he likes his coworkers, and that he does a good job. He also shared that he likes “talking to people and greeting customers.”

Tyrone’s success is a team effort. Staff has helped him improve his professionalism like not interrupting conversations or shouting across the room. There are differences between working and being at home, and he’s just about mastered them over the last 5 years.

If you happen to stop into SmART! Supplies to peruse arts and crafts materials for sale, or to drop off a donation, look for the guy with a bounce in his step. If he takes your donation before you hardly get in the door, or if he’s quick to direct you to what you’re looking for, it’s probably Tyrone. And if he calls you “friend,” it’s definitely him.



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SmART! Supplies sells donated arts and crafts materials while supporting people with intellectual disabilities through employment and job training. As a social enterprise, store proceeds fund programs of non-profit organization Progress. For more information about SmART! Supplies, visit www.SmartSupplies.org 
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Lily Wojcik, PR/Events Manager

Everyone has a “dream job.” Some may find themselves already employed at a dream job, and for others the concept is an abstract, alternate-reality form of employment, like rocking out as a rock star, dude.  Just about everyone has something in mind when asked to abandon restrictions of current circumstances and unearth a role meant solely for them, even if only in their wildest dreams.

One universal truth about dream jobs is that there is no time limit to finding one. Olivette has been supported by Progress for over 10 years, and at 68 years old recently achieved her dream job of working at McDonald’s.
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Working at McDonald’s may not seem like an extraordinary hurdle to cross, but for Olivette it was a dream, and took almost seven decades to achieve. As a teenager Olivette worked, but throughout adulthood she encountered various health challenges that limited her progress. Over time she began to need one-on-one support, and her interest in interacting with others became limited.

This continued for many years, until a sudden interest and motivation to work returned. Without explanation, Olivette’s desire to interact and be present was back. Through this newfound interest in work, Olivette tested the waters in several different roles. She briefly worked at Progress doing janitorial work, then subbed at SmART! Supplies for several months, helping to sort donations and stock shelves.

Although Olivette excelled in these roles, she wasn’t over the moon about either of them. She got along fine with staff and performed the duties well, but something was missing. Susan Hutchison, Co-Director of Day Programs sat down to have an in-depth conversation with Olivette about her work and her interests. During the conversation, Olivette shared that her dream job was to work at McDonald’s doing janitorial work.

Armed with this new information, staff helped Olivette complete six McDonald’s applications, and within two hours the phone was ringing with a location that wanted to set up an interview.

Olivette aced the interview and was immediately hired as a lobby attendant. As a lobby attendant, she keeps the tables and chairs clean, empties the trash, and washes the floors and windows. She is incredibly proud of her accomplishment, and for good reason. This particular McDonald’s is located next door to the regional corporate headquarters, and serves as the gold standard for restaurant operations.  Corporate employees frequent the location often, and Olivette is responsible for keeping the dining area looking as polished and presentable as possible.  Olivette understands the added responsibility of working at this location, and has gained immense confidence in being chosen for the role.

Her managers continue to praise Olivette for continual improvement. Even customer satisfaction surveys are filled with comments about what a positive addition Olivette is to the restaurant. She brings her smile and positive energy to work every day, and loves being a part of the team and meeting new people.
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After achieving a dream job, it would be easy to rest on your laurels and simply enjoy it. Not Olivette. She’s already identified her next dream, which is to become a manager. Olivette has a unique spring in her step these days, one that is specific only to dream achievers. Although Olivette took the long road to get there, the message of her story is clear. It is never too late to find your dream job, regardless of age, ability or circumstance. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, be confident, and the dream is yours for the taking.

Lily Wojcik, PR & Events Manager, Progress