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How Businesses Can Empower People with Cognitive Disabilities

Sharing a Letter from our Chairman & CEO

Shari's Berries

Sent on 24 March 2024 02:04 PM

In 1987, President Ronald Reagan declared March as National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. The goal was to inspire individuals and businesses to support people with developmental disabilities so that they can achieve productive and fulfilling lives.

My family understood the obstacles firsthand. My younger brother, Kevin, was born with a cognitive disability, and my parents devoted themselves to ensuring his happiness and integration into the community. Ive written before about how they often rented a community center to host other families like ours so everyone could meet and socialize without stigma.

I often think about how much Mom and Dad worried about what would happen to Kevin once they were gone. Back then, it was common for adults with disabilities to end up in state-run institutions. Thanks to increased awareness, that outcome is far less likely today.

But challenges persist, especially around employment. Thats why in 2015, based on a suggestion from my friend Walter Stockton, my family and I started Smile Farms, a program that helps people with disabilities find meaningful work in the agricultural and hospitality industries. Kevin, along with thousands of others, is thriving in the program.

Ive been fortunate to become friends with other families of children with disabilities. Its inspiring to hear their stories of how theyve overcome the challenges, and, at the same time, brought along other families to ensure a better and more equitable world for everyone.

An Amazing Moms advocacy

Rosemary Alfredo's daughter, Collette Divitto, was born with Downs syndrome, and she quickly realized that her daughter's school wasnt set up to teach her the life skills needed to compete in the workforce.

To overcome that, Rosemary partnered with educators to develop projects and lessons to help Collette develop confidence and self-esteem while she learned. When Collette was in high school, Rosemary worked with school administrators to build an individualized curriculum incorporating traditional learning and valuable life skills.

After Collette graduated from Clemson Universitys LIFE program and moved to Boston, she applied for numerous jobs but was continually turned down because she wasnt the right fit for the companies.

A dad opens doors at Walgreens

Randy Lewis, the former head of supply chain and logistics at Walgreens, is another hero parent. His son, Austin, was born with autism and inspired Randy to think about finding opportunities for people with disabilities.

Over 10 years, he developed a program at the pharmacy chain that has become the model for incorporating people with disabilities into the workforce. And its continued after Randys retirement: Today, more than 10% of the companys logistics workforce comprises people with disabilities who perform the same jobs, earn the same pay, and are held to the same standards as other team members. Randy shares:

Everybody knows it works, and two of the distribution centers that have the highest percentage of people with disabilities are not coincidentally the highest performing ones. It's a good thing to do for the employees, for their families, and in a business sense. And its a good thing to do for our shareholders and the bottom line.

Randy told me that Walgreens success gained the attention of other companies. Over the years, more than 500 have visited and attended a boot camp where managers learn details of the program.

Many big retailers, including Meijer, Lowes, and OfficeMax, have adopted the program. You can learn more about its success and Randys book, No Greatness Without Goodness on this weeks Celebrations Chatter podcast.

A positive outcome

Its rare in the business world for competitors to band together, and that gesture of goodwill and doing the right thing touched Randy and Austin personally.

When Randy began the program at Walgreens, his family lived in the Chicago suburbs, nowhere near any of the companys distribution centers. One day, Randy got a call from Rick Keyes, who is now CEO of grocery store retailer Meijer.

He told me they are getting ready to build a distribution center on the Illinois border of Wisconsin, not far from where we live. Rick said that if he could get there, they had a job for Austin. He's been working there now for nine years, and he has perfect attendance, so there is such a thing as serendipity.

These success stories show the world the power of people with disabilities. When they are given an opportunity to use their skills, they prosper. If you own a business, I hope this letter inspires you to reach out, connect with, and support people who are differently abled in your community.

All the best,

Jim

Celebrating the rituals of Easter

Today is Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week, seven days of rituals that commemorate Jesus crucifixion and resurrection. For many, the week starts with todays processions and distribution of blessed palms and continues with foot washing on Holy Thursday and visiting the stations of the cross on Good Friday.

The week before Easter is also filled with personal traditions. As I was growing up, I always thought of Easter as a time for getting new clothes for Easter Sunday Mass. I also remember my father taking the family into Manhattan for the Easter Parade, which really wasnt a parade in the sense of marching bands and floats. It was just lots of people walking up and down Fifth Avenue in colorful costumes and hats.

All the rituals whether rooted in thousands of years of history or in family tradition help us renew connections with our faiths and each other. Easter serves as a reminder to reflect on the renewal of faith and its personal significance. It's also a time to contemplate relationships and the people who hold importance in our lives.

Id like to hear from you. What are some Easter traditions within your family, community, or church? Send them to me for a chance to be featured in a special Easter edition of the Celebrations Pulsenext week and to be selected to win a basket of Easter treats from the1-800-Flowers.comfamily of brands.

Its spring!

Last Tuesday marked the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Those of you who live in the Northeast or Midwest probably let out a sigh of relief when we officially moved out of winters dark and icy grip.

Last week, I asked you to vote on your favorite spring activity. Gardening topped the results at 28%, followed by cleaning your house (21%), taking a scenic drive (18%), going for a hike (17%), and Opening Day (16%). After the Mets season last year, I dont disagree!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote, and now its time for this weeks poll.

Having some fun with April Fools Day

In a little over a week, the pranksters of the world will be celebrating April Fools Day with jokes, gags, and other merriment. Last year, Cheryls Cookies got in on the fun by promoting cookies topped with dill pickles! I cant wait to see what the team comes up with next.

I thought itd be fun to share some of your favorite April Fools pranks. Please send me stories of your best antics or those youve been fooled by, whether by a friend or a company.

Ill share some of your stories in next weeks Celebrations Pulse and thats no joke!

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Sharing a Letter from our Chairman & CEO

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celebrations pulse

My family understood the obstacles firsthand. My younger brother, Kevin, was born with a cognitive disability, and my parents devoted themselves to ensuring his happiness and integration into the community. Ive written before about how they often rented a community center to host other families like ours so everyone could meet and socialize without stigma.

I often think about how much Mom and Dad worried about what would happen to Kevin once they were gone. Back then, it was common for adults with disabilities to end up in state-run institutions. Thanks to increased awareness, that outcome is far less likely today.

Ive been fortunate to become friends with other families of children with disabilities. Its inspiring to hear their stories of how theyve overcome the challenges, and, at the same time, brought along other families to ensure a better and more equitable world for everyone.

An Amazing Moms advocacy

Rosemary Alfredo's daughter, Collette Divitto, was born with Downs syndrome, and she quickly realized that her daughter's school wasnt set up to teach her the life skills needed to compete in the workforce.

To overcome that, Rosemary partnered with educators to develop projects and lessons to help Collette develop confidence and self-esteem while she learned. When Collette was in high school, Rosemary worked with school administrators to build an individualized curriculum incorporating traditional learning and valuable life skills.

After Collette graduated from Clemson Universitys LIFE program and moved to Boston, she applied for numerous jobs but was continually turned down because she wasnt the right fit for the companies.

Thats when Collette, who inherited determination from her mother, took matters into her own hands. With her moms assistance, she combined her life-long love of baking with business and launched Colletteys Cookies, a profitable online bakery.

Colletteys has now sold over 400,000 cookies to date and employs 15 people, several with disabilities. Collette travels around the country, sharing her success story and giving lots of credit to her Amazing Mom.

A dad opens doors at Walgreens

Randy Lewis, the former head of supply chain and logistics at Walgreens, is another hero parent. His son, Austin, was born with autism and inspired Randy to think about finding opportunities for people with disabilities.

Over 10 years, he developed a program at the pharmacy chain that has become the model for incorporating people with disabilities into the workforce. And its continued after Randys retirement: Today, more than 10% of the companys logistics workforce comprises people with disabilities who perform the same jobs, earn the same pay, and are held to the same standards as other team members. Randy shares:

Everybody knows it works, and two of the distribution centers that have the highest percentage of people with disabilities are not coincidentally the highest performing ones. It's a good thing to do for the employees, for their families, and in a business sense. And its a good thing to do for our shareholders and the bottom line.

Randy told me that Walgreens success gained the attention of other companies. Over the years, more than 500 have visited and attended a boot camp where managers learn details of the program.

Many big retailers, including Meijer, Lowes, and OfficeMax, have adopted the program. You can learn more about its success and Randys book, No Greatness Without Goodness on this weeks Celebrations Chatter podcast.

Shop 1-800-Flowers.com

A positive outcome

Its rare in the business world for competitors to band together, and that gesture of goodwill and doing the right thing touched Randy and Austin personally.

When Randy began the program at Walgreens, his family lived in the Chicago suburbs, nowhere near any of the companys distribution centers. One day, Randy got a call from Rick Keyes, who is now CEO of grocery store retailer Meijer.

He told me they are getting ready to build a distribution center on the Illinois border of Wisconsin, not far from where we live. Rick said that if he could get there, they had a job for Austin. He's been working there now for nine years, and he has perfect attendance, so there is such a thing as serendipity.

All the best,

Jim

Chris

Celebrating the rituals of Easter

Today is Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week, seven days of rituals that commemorate Jesus crucifixion and resurrection. For many, the week starts with todays processions and distribution of blessed palms and continues with foot washing on Holy Thursday and visiting the stations of the cross on Good Friday.

The week before Easter is also filled with personal traditions. As I was growing up, I always thought of Easter as a time for getting new clothes for Easter Sunday Mass. I also remember my father taking the family into Manhattan for the Easter Parade, which really wasnt a parade in the sense of marching bands and floats. It was just lots of people walking up and down Fifth Avenue in colorful costumes and hats.

All the rituals whether rooted in thousands of years of history or in family tradition help us renew connections with our faiths and each other. Easter serves as a reminder to reflect on the renewal of faith and its personal significance. It's also a time to contemplate relationships and the people who hold importance in our lives.

Id like to hear from you. What are some Easter traditions within your family, community, or church? Send them to me for a chance to be featured in a special Easter edition of the Celebrations Pulsenext week and to be selected to win a basket of Easter treats from the1-800-Flowers.comfamily of brands.

Its spring!

Last Tuesday marked the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Those of you who live in the Northeast or Midwest probably let out a sigh of relief when we officially moved out of winters dark and icy grip.

Last week, I asked you to vote on your favorite spring activity. Gardening topped the results at 28%, followed by cleaning your house (21%), taking a scenic drive (18%), going for a hike (17%), and Opening Day (16%). After the Mets season last year, I dont disagree!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote, and now its time for this weeks poll.

Poll 1

Poll 2

Poll 3

Poll 4

Poll 5

Having some fun with April Fools Day

In a little over a week, the pranksters of the world will be celebrating April Fools Day with jokes, gags, and other merriment. Last year, Cheryls Cookies got in on the fun by promoting cookies topped with dill pickles! I cant wait to see what the team comes up with next.

I thought itd be fun to share some of your favorite April Fools pranks. Please send me stories of your best antics or those youve been fooled by, whether by a friend or a company.

Ill share some of your stories in next weeks Celebrations Pulse and thats no joke!