At WACOSA, we believe in the power of meaningful employment, not just as a job, but as the foundation for independence, confidence, and community connection for adults with disabilities. Stories like Amy’s prove that when businesses prioritize inclusive hiring and are open to creative solutions like job carving, everyone wins. It’s a key part of our mission, and we love sharing the incredible partnerships that make it happen.
Walking into Plato’s Closet in St. Cloud, the first thing you notice is the cheerful energy. Happy voices greet you, and friendly staff are buzzing around the sales floor. On my recent visit, I was led straight to Amy, a dedicated employee who is one of the reasons for the store’s positive atmosphere.
Amy, who has been working in partnership with WACOSA for 17 years and has been employed with Plato’s Closet for nearly five years, is a wonderful example of what happens when a business opens its doors to people of all abilities. She worked directly with WACOSA’s Community Employment team to build essential skills and confidence, ultimately leading her to meaningful employment here.
The Power of Job Carving
Amy greets me with a warm smile and leads me to the back room, where she is currently focused on tagging and hanging clothes. Amy works four days a week, making sure the floor is well-stocked and ready for the daily flocks of shoppers.
The partnership with Plato’s Closet began in 2019 when Mollie Garden, the owner, first connected with WACOSA about hiring an adult with disabilities. Mollie quickly realized that job carving was the key to making this a successful employment experience for everyone involved.
Mollie shared her simple but brilliant approach: “I think it’s just broadening your horizons or breaking down the tasks that you want done on a day-to-day basis. So, it’s being open to maybe breaking down a whole job into just smaller pieces and then disseminating those out to match the skillset of a person from WACOSA.”
By working directly with WACOSA’s Job Coaches, they successfully matched Amy’s skills with the best fit within the organization.
Building Relationships and Confidence
I asked Amy what the best part of working at Plato’s Closet is. She thinks for a moment, then shares that it is the relationships she has with her co-workers—the people she works side-by-side with every day—that truly fulfill her.
When I asked Amy what she is good at, she stated, without hesitation, that she is a good coworker and friend.
Kira Hannah, Plato’s Closet’s Manager, who can hear our conversation, chimes in from the other room: “Amy is a great friend to others at work, she is kind and helpful and always willing to pitch in.” Amy nods in agreement; it is clearly who she is.
Kira confirmed the success of the partnership, stating, “We’ve had great luck with the WACOSA team helping us to make sure that people are a good fit for us, and that we are a good fit for them.”
The WACOSA Support System
Amy contributes her success at Plato’s Closet to the incredible support of her co-workers and management, as well as the leadership she gets from WACOSA Job Coach, Pam.
At the beginning of Amy’s employment, Pam worked with both Amy and Plato’s Closet to understand Amy’s job responsibilities. Pam worked alongside Amy during the training period and then stepped back once both Amy and Plato’s Closet felt that Amy was ready to fly solo.
“I’m still here for Amy and Plato’s Closet,” Pam states. “I stop in and see how things are going, and they both know I’m a phone call away if there needs to be more training, new responsibilities, or to work through any potential concerns that might arise.”
Future Dreams and Fun
When Amy isn’t working, her favorite things are swimming and hanging out with her close friends and family. She enjoys spending a little of her paycheck on a great meal or a delicious smoothie!
Amy does have some big future plans, too. She really wants to help other people with their own mental health and is currently working on writing her own story to inspire others.
Ready to Hire Your Own Amy?
Like Mollie and Kira at Plato’s Closet, your business can benefit from the loyalty, dedication, and talent of a WACOSA employee. We’ll help you explore successful strategies like job carving and provide ongoing support to ensure a successful, long-term match.
Learn more about directly hiring an adult with a disability through WACOSA by contacting our Community Employment Services team today! 320-251-8700 or info@wacosa.org
