March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, and we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on some of the incredible individuals who make Laradon such a wonderful community. This month, we’re celebrating their talents, determination, and the powerful impact they have in their workplaces and beyond. Enjoy Jenny’s story! |
It’s the middle of February, and outside, Lakewood is covered in a fresh layer of snow. The air is crisp, and the streets are lined with slush from the latest storm. But inside the Home Depot gardening department, Jenny is hard at work, bringing a sense of warmth and energy to those around her.
Sporting a bright orange Home Depot apron with her name—JENNY—proudly displayed on the front, she moves confidently through the aisles. Today, she’s also wearing a Harry Potter Gryffindor winter cap, although she quickly clarifies, “I’m actually a Hufflepuff.” Jenny loves Comic-Con, anything sci-fi, and making people smile.
She walks confidently through each aisle, introducing her Laradon job coach and benefits counselor to everyone she encounters.
“I gotta’ introduce my coworkers to my people,” she says with a big grin as she zig-zags through the aisles.
Jenny is a natural connector and a people-person through and through. She has been working at Home Depot for two and a half years, but just this past fall, she joined Laradon’s Individual Employment Service. Through this service, she receives job coaching on top of also utilizing Laradon’s Benefits Counseling Services, ensuring she has the support she needs to thrive both professionally and personally.
“She shows up. She’s motivated. She has a lot of great things happening in her life,” says Tracy Brandon, Laradon’s Benefits Counselor.
Her Laradon Job Coach Jeremy chimes in, “Jenny is hardworking and dedicated. All her coworkers love working with her. Individuals like Jenny, and those in the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities community, bring a different perspective to the workplace. Sometimes, Jenny feels like the public doesn’t always understand her disability, but she wants people to know her beyond that.”
Jenny takes pride in her work, diligently taking stock of items, assisting customers, and keeping her assigned department in top shape. But for her, it’s about more than just the job—it’s about the people.
“My job coach Jeremy is my favorite part,” she shares with a laugh.
And, it goes both ways. Her coworkers light up when talking about her.
“She makes every day better when she’s here,” says Michael, one of her teammates.
Another adds, “She’s the coolest!”
Jenny has built a true sense of community at work, proving just how valuable inclusion is in the workplace.
Looking ahead, Jenny has big dreams. She hopes to one day pursue a career working with animals or in cosmetology. Her resilience and determination will no doubt carry her far.
“Some jobs discriminate against people who are disabled,” Jenny says. “But, my motto is to take everything with a grain of salt.”
Jenny’s story is a testament to the power of opportunity, inclusion, and belief in the person beyond the disability. She’s not just an employee—she’s a vital part of the Home Depot team, a friend, a coworker, and an inspiration. And on even the coldest winter days, she brings warmth wherever she goes
Join us in celebrating Jenny and the power of inclusion! Help support Laradon’s mission to create meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities by sharing her story or donating today.
Together we can build a more inclusive workforce where everyone belongs.
