28 years with Safeway: John’s employment story is a success for disability inclusion

Every July, the country marks two milestones that go hand in hand: Disability Pride Month and the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, signed into law on July 26, 1990. At Centerforce, we don't have to look far to see what that legacy looks like in practice. We just have to look at our client, John M.

John has worked at Safeway for 28 years. His job at the Puyallup store includes bagging groceries, collecting carts from the parking lot, and helping customers carry their purchases out to their cars. It's steady, hands-on work, and John has made it his own for nearly three decades.

What does John like most about his job? His coworkers. He also lights up talking about the customers he chats with while bagging their groceries. Over the years, those conversations have added up. John is a familiar face at this Safeway — customers and coworkers alike know him by name.

A Centerforce client since 1997 and supported in the past 9 years by job coach Cathy, John’s relationship with Cathy has been built over years, not months. He likes that she's friendly, and she's been with him a long time.

Danielle D., PIC at Safeway, pointed to the value of having Centerforce available to help coordinate communication between John, Centerforce and Safeway, especially during times when hours are cut or the store is short-staffed. Beyond logistics, she said the partnership has shaped company culture, helping the team "find strengths in others."

Safeway has partnered with Centerforce since July 1998. John's 28 years there are a testament to what that partnership, sustained over time, can build: not just a job, but genuine belonging.

To learn more about our employment services or to become an employer partner, contact us at info@centerforce.net.

John has worked at Safeway for 28 years where his duties include bagging groceries, collecting carts from the parking lot and helping customers carry their purchases out to their cars.