20 year-old Jonathan Crout had almost given up on finding a job, when he saw a WorkSource van parked in a church parking lot. He approached the driver to ask where the Fernandina WorkSource center was located and whether he could find assistance there in getting a job.

Jonathan said that the first time he visited the WorkSource Career Center on Jasmine Street, he was impressed by the friendly customer service and the way that Robin Cross, a WorkSource Career Counselor, greeted him. He explained to Ms. Cross that he was having a very hard time finding a job. He had only completed the 9th grade in school and had limited skills. On top of these barriers, he also confided that he had a social disability that made it a challenge to interact with others in a work environment. Ms. Cross helped Jonathan with some job leads and showed him how to use the resource room computers to research openings.

After about a month, Jonathan called Ms. Cross to share the happy news of his impending interview with the local Wal-Mart store. Because of his disability, Ms. Cross suggested that he ask for an accommodation for the pre hire personality inventory that Wal-Mart gives to every applicant. Jonathan asked and was given extra time to complete the survey.

Jonathan was hired on March 30, 2004 as a cashier at the Fernandina Wal-Mart. During his orientation, Jonathan said he felt that his disability wasn’t an issue with the company. He was paired with a team worker during his training who was patient and understanding. The support he has received on the job has helped him to learn at his own pace. He enjoys working with the customers, and he says he really likes the challenge when the store gets busy.

Mike Littleton, the General Manager at the Fernandina Wal-Mart is pleased with how far Jonathan has come. “He’s a friendly and dedicated worker, and gets along well with his co-workers and the management team. We’re glad to have him here.” Robin Cross says that Jonathan has “just blossomed since he started his job.”

Working at Wal-Mart has inspired Jonathan to set some personal goals. He hopes to return to school to get his GED and then go on to college. Working has also helped his self confidence and his motivation to get back into school and to meet new friends.

For more information on the Disability Navigator Program or hiring people with disabilities, contact Venessa Fairbairn at 904.213.3800, ext 2001.