Savers Thrift Store in Commack, NY is part of a large chain of stores across the US, Canada and Australia that sells secondhand items. Their mission is to champion reuse and inspire a future where secondhand is second nature. Savers values each of its employees and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive team in which each person uses their unique skills to contribute to their store’s positive environment and successful operations. In Commack, Savers has been employing people with developmental disabilities for the past 10 years and currently has three employees with disabilities on its staff. OPWDD recently asked Savers about their experience.
What interested you in employing people with developmental disabilities in your workforce?
Savers: We are an inclusive company by stated value and practice, so it would only make sense for us to give equal opportunity to all to have a gainful employment with us.
What has surprised you most about employing someone with a developmental disability?
Savers: If we had to say that something surprises us about employing a person with a disability, it would be the benefit to our team in having exposure to and understanding of how diversity in the workplace enriches our understanding of the people, needs and capabilities of the people in our community. The learning and perspectives we take away have improved our environment and humility. In working alongside our team members with disabilities we have grown our friendships and comradery.
What advice would you give to another employer considering employing people with developmental disabilities?
Savers: If I could advise an employer of the benefits of hiring a team member with a developmental disability, it would be to tell them that we have had great reliability, appreciation, engagement and pride exhibited by our team members with disabilities. They promote a stable, understanding and kind workplace, enhancing all of our experiences. Adding them to our team creates a culture of understanding in which we see less misunderstanding of marginalized members of our community.
What difference has the employment of people with developmental disabilities made in your organization?
Savers: We strengthen our team and thrive when we employ a diverse team and encourage the differences we have as individuals. By having team members with different capacities in our workplace, we have encouraged team members who have family members with disabilities to see the possibilities for their loved ones and to have a deeper appreciation of the Savers values.
Responses provided by Michael Lees, Manager, Savers Thrift Store, Commack, NY