Our Stories
Howard Thomas
“17 Years and Going Strong”
Sarah Stock, Employment Specialist
CEO has had the opportunity to work with Howard Thomas for the past seventeen years. During this period, CEO has provided Howard with various vocational rehabilitation services.
Howard is currently employed as a Bagger at the Giant Eagle located in Mt. Lebanon. Managers, Sue Martin and Debra Johnson hired Howard to work as a Bagger. Once Howard had completed his initial job training with a Job Coach, CEO asked George Heiser, Grocery Manager, how was Howard doing in his position. Mr. Heiser responded by saying “Howard really knows how to hustle.” Howard is continuously staying busy at his job. He works tirelessly at bagging groceries as they move down the conveyor belt. His personality is friendly and he is well liked by customers and co-workers. Howard’s main focus is providing quality services to the customer.
Prior to Giant Eagle, Howard maintained an impressive employment history at the Red Lobster and Chi Chi’s located in the South Hills. During his employment with these two businesses, Howard was an excellent employee that led by example.
In addition to the employers that have worked with Howard, CEO would also like to acknowledge the following parties that have contributed to his success: Tom McCarthy, Rehabilitation Counselor, Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. Mr. McCarthy’s support has made it possible for Howard to maintain has employment for nearly twenty years, Jim Shanahan, CEO’s former Executive Director and current Rehabilitation Counselor with the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. Mr. Shanahan provided Howard with invaluable support through the years and the staff of Citizen Care and Staunton Clinic that have provided services to Howard through the years.
Jerry Uriah
[Jerry Uriah, Buggy Retriever and Bill James, Manager, Heildelberg Shop ‘n Save]
What drives you Buggy?
Shelly Hunter, Staff Coordinator
If anyone has a right to complain about the weather, traffic, and sore muscles, it’s Jerry Uriah. The truth is, Jerry NEVER complains about things he combats on a weekly basis on his job as a Buggy Retriever at the Heildelberg Shop ‘n Save. Jerry drives the buggies, not the other way around.
This past summer while the rest of us were sipping a cool iced tea or taking a dip in the pool, Jerry was “rounding up” grocery buggies in the sweltering heat, sometimes six or seven hours a day. I do mean “rounding up,” because he uses a six-foot leather strap which enables him to corral the buggies with out losing control physically or otherwise.
Nothing seems to drive Jerry “buggy” according to his managers and co-workers. Bill James, Manager at the Shop ‘n Save, remarked to Shelley Hunter, Job Coach for Jerry and now his Follow-up Specialist, “It is a pleasure to have Jerry working for us.” Another of Jerry’s managers, Joyce Charley, added, “Jerry is always willing to cover for other employees even if it means working more than one shift.” Patty Bowersox, a relatively new manager to the Shop ‘n Save, instantly recognized Jerry doing a wonderful job. “Sometimes we have to make him take a break, because he is so involved in his work,” according to Patty. All agreed that they would be glad to accept another referral from CEO. Of course, CEO was happy to place someone in such a friendly and supportive environment. As for Jerry, he is a man of few words. He just keeps on “driving.”
During this chilling winter season, while we are snuggled at home around a warm fire or having a cup of hot chocolate with our friends, Jerry will be once again braving the elements. Day or night, armed with his fluorescent vest to ward off oncoming traffic, Mr. Uriah will provide excellent Customer Service to the patrons of Shop ‘n Save.
So the next time you find yourself getting “bugged” by life….think of Jerry Uriah, a model employee and inspiration to us all!
