Exploring Employment Opportunities in a New Community

Jay Moore loves his job, the people he works with and the opportunity to be productive and earn a paycheck.   He and his sister moved from South Haven to Kalamazoo in 2005, approximately a year after his mother had passed away.   As they settled into their new community, Jay’s sister connected him with the services offered by MRC Industries, Inc. and in June 2006 he began attending the MRC McKercher program.  

Initially, Jay started building his skills through employment within our skill-building program and volunteering for local non-profit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.   In June of 2008, he become involved with work crews at a variety of employment sites.  These provided Jay the opportunity to explore different types of work and become connected and supported in his new community. 

With the assistance of MRC’s Community Employment Program and his Employment Training Specialist, Craig Snider, Jay began to explore the possibility of finding a job in the community.  He was introduced to various work opportunities, and in April of 2016, accepted a position at Meijer as a utility worker.   Jay successfully completed Meijer’s orientation and online training program.   

“Jay comes to work every day with enthusiasm and he takes his job very seriously.  We enjoy having him as part of our team,” states his supervisor, Jeff Hamilton.

A supermarket was a natural fit for Jay.  While residing in South Haven, he had worked for a local grocer bagging and transporting groceries and performing light stocking and custodial work.

Craig Snider, Jay’s Employment Training Specialist, shares, “It has been great working with Jay.   He is always polite, friendly and happy.  You can really tell that he enjoys his job, even when he is pushing carts in the pouring rain.” 

Jay’s sister was grateful to MRC’s Community Employment program.  Not only did Jay’s ETS help him find work, but also provided follow along job coaching to ensure that Jay was successful understanding his job responsibilities and company policies and procedures.   

When Jay was asked what he like most about working at Meijer he said, “I like to work, and I like the money.”