Wegmans has a long history of supporting individuals with disabilities, both in our communities and in our stores. In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness month, we would like to introduce you to just a few of the individuals who strive to make Wegmans a place where everyone feels welcome.
Megan C. - Raleigh, North Carolina
The sheer pride is unmistakable. With tears in her eyes and a smile on her face, Megan C. embraces a bag of 321 Coffee at our Raleigh, North Carolina Wegmans, where she works part-time in grocery customer service. Afterall, it was her connection to the coffee brand that facilitated its arrival in our North Carolina stores. "It happened so fast,” said Megan, who has been with Wegmans for five years. “I told the merchandising manager about 321 and a few weeks later it was on the shelves!”
Coffee category merchant, Kristy N. says that we are always looking for regional brands to sell in our North Carolina stores and 321 was the perfect fit.
“Thanks to Megan, we had an opportunity to meet the owners at their Raleigh Café and discovered that they share very similar values,” said Kristy. “We are very excited to welcome them into our North Carolina Wegmans!”
321 Coffee, which has three café’s and a roastery in North Carolina, employs approximately 55 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Megan, who has worked part-time for 321 Coffee for seven years, said she has watched 321 grow and offer more opportunities and was proud to help the company take this next step.
“To see that they are a big enough company to sell their coffee in Wegmans now makes me so proud,” Megan said. “Both companies teach employees of all abilities new skills and provide the support we need to be successful.”
Daniel O. - Newark, New York
For the past 5 years, Daniel O. has been an employee at our Newark, New York store. He began working in the maintenance department and has recently cross-trained to be a member of the helping hands team as well.
Working closely with members of the team and a job coach, the store was able to set up a work pattern so Daniel, who is blind, could easily navigate each department. He has also been partnered with another employee for his helping hands shifts, which allows him to interact and engage with our customers to provide incredible customer service.
“I enjoy the opportunity to work for both the maintenance and helping hands teams,” said Daniel. “Working maintenance has helped me understand how important safety is and helping hands has allowed me to interact more directly with customers.”
Robert N. - Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Robert N., a maintenance employee, takes pride in keeping the Cherry Hill, New Jersey store clean for customers and employees. When he applied for the position at the beginning of 2024, he was excited about the opportunity but also a little nervous because his primary form of communication is American Sign Language (ASL). That fear, however, quickly dissipated.
“The store gave me a cellphone to use at work for texting,” he said. “That way anytime a manager needs me, they can get ahold of me. I also have a small whiteboard for face-to-face conversations with my co-workers.”
This is the first time that company cellphones were used for in-store communication with an employee and Robert couldn’t be more thankful. He said it has helped him feel connected to his co-workers and makes it possible for him to be successful in his job.
Chris S. - Harrison, New York
Even before Chris S. began working part-time in the dairy department at the Harrison, New York store, he was active with the local Northeast Special Recreation Center where he participated in Special Olympics, mentoring, and group activities. Store leaders had already been supporting the organization’s Special Olympics Event but when Chris told them about the many other opportunities offered by Northeast Rec., the store team was eager to do more.
"I connected Wegmans with my team at Northeast to make sure that we get the help we need,” Chris said. “With the relationship between Northeast and Wegmans, I notice it's a lot stronger now because they didn't know about all the resources Northeast offers the community.”
Chris, who accepted a full-time position at Wegmans last year, says he enjoys working for a company that supports and values him as an employee and he appreciates the support they give to Northeast Special Recreation.
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