Good Foods Grocery, a beloved fixture in Richmond’s Bon Air community, has expanded its role beyond serving local shoppers to nurturing local talent. This neighborhood grocery store is now making headlines as the first establishment in Virginia to host a groundbreaking vocational training center specifically designed for individuals with autism. This initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing employment disparities and fostering inclusivity within the Richmond community, all within the familiar aisles of Good Foods Grocery.
Asther Mcnulty, a participant in the pioneering job readiness program at Good Foods Grocery, is enthusiastic about her new opportunity. “This is my first job ever,” Mcnulty shared, highlighting the program’s vital role in opening doors to first-time employment for individuals who often face significant barriers in the job market. The innovative program is the realization of a long-held vision by Commonwealth Autism, the organization that acquired Good Foods Grocery last fall, aiming to integrate community support directly into a local business.
The comprehensive 90-day program begins with essential classroom sessions focused on developing crucial social and communication skills. Following this preparatory phase, participants transition into paid internships within Good Foods Grocery itself. This hands-on experience allows them to apply their newly acquired skills in a real-world retail environment, building confidence and practical expertise.
Mcnulty appreciates the supportive atmosphere at Good Foods Grocery, noting, “I like that it is more of a relaxed environment compared to a bigger place. There is less pressure.” This sentiment underscores a key benefit of the program: providing a nurturing and understanding workplace that caters to the unique needs of individuals with autism, contrasting with potentially overwhelming larger retail settings.
Program organizers emphasize the critical need for such initiatives to combat the alarmingly high unemployment rates among autistic adults in the United States, which can range from 60% to 80%. These statistics highlight the systemic challenges and biases that often prevent talented individuals with autism from entering and thriving in the workforce.
Luan Glassbrook, another eager participant in the Good Foods Grocery program, echoed these sentiments based on past experiences. “At other jobs, it’s hard because I feel like they judge us for our disabilities or they don’t understand us so they get frustrated and fire us instead of understanding us and saying oh they have a disability let’s see how we can work with them,” Glassbrook explained. He views the program as a supportive stepping stone towards his ambitious career goal.
Glassbrook shared that the program is already encouraging him to step outside his comfort zone, expressing hope that it will provide him with the skills and confidence necessary to pursue his dream of becoming a firefighter. This ambition reflects the program’s broader aim of not only providing immediate job skills but also fostering long-term career development.
Upon completion of the Good Foods Grocery internship, participants will receive personalized support from a dedicated job coach. This crucial post-program support is designed to help them navigate the job market and secure employment opportunities that align with their skills and career aspirations. This ensures the program’s impact extends beyond the internship, facilitating sustainable employment and career growth.
Good Foods Grocery is currently inviting applications for its next program class, scheduled to commence in May. Individuals interested in participating in this pioneering vocational training initiative are encouraged to visit the Good Food Grocery website for further details and application information. This initiative at Good Foods Grocery serves as an inspiring model for how local businesses can become catalysts for community empowerment and inclusive employment practices.
