NDEAM Spotlight: Nicky

Happy National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! This NDEAM Spotlight shines on Nicky! 🌟

Nicky spends some of his time volunteering at the Knights of Columbus Food Pantry. Nicky’s role at the food pantry is to sort food into boxes and place nonperishables on corresponding shelves. Nicky’s skill development both in-house at NW Works, and at Knights of Columbus has helped prepare him for employment on the NW Works production floor.

Nicky and other workers complete a variety of roles for businesses that use NW Works’ services including screw assembly, labeling, and repackaging. Nicky set a goal to complete 60 kits during his four-hour work shift and over time has become more efficient and comfortable with his role. Visual aids have been used to monitor Nicky’s progress and serve as motivation while also adding to his confidence after seeing his goals are being met. In the picture, Supervisor Mel and Nicky are celebrating him surpassing his goal!

Nicky’s progress was also recognized by Job Coach, Alex. Alex reflected that, “Nicky’s doing amazing. He’s doing kits, he’s repacking pasta, working on paint cans, and he’s enjoying everything.” Nicky reinforced Alex’s comment, and said that he couldn’t pick a favorite out of all the jobs he’s done so far. Folks on the production floor are setting goals, meeting them, and they’re satisfied doing so thanks to the combined efforts of staff, team members and our business partners. Congratulations Nicky!!!