Emma Russell, a 19-year-old graduate from James M. Hill High School from Miramichi, New Brunswick, embarked on her employment journey with Inclusion NB in Grade 10. As a participant in the Transition to Work program, she attended weekly Job Readiness classes and gained hands-on experience through a co-op placement at a bakery in a local grocery store. After graduation, Emma continued working with Inclusion NB, seeking part-time employment in retail.
Her hard work, determination, and support from her job coach led her to an exciting opportunity at the Shoppers Drug Mart Newcastle location as a Merchandiser.
A Job Coach is a professional who provides individualized support to help people with disabilities maintain employment. This could include providing hands-on training and support at the workplace, advocating for accommodations or modifications where necessary, helping the individual develop the required skills and acting as a liaison between the employee and employer. Job Coaches are a fully funded role with no cost to the employer.
A Partnership That Works
Shoppers Drug Mart has proven to be an outstanding employer, fostering an inclusive workplace and recognizing Emma’s strengths. The management team has been instrumental in ensuring her success, accommodating her needs while encouraging her growth. Emma works diligently each shift, contributing to the team by keeping the store well-stocked, customer-ready, and organized.
Chelsey Peckham, an Employment Counsellor at Inclusion NB, shared her thoughts on this successful partnership.
“Shoppers Drug Mart has been great to partner with! They have been very open to collaborating with me to offer work experience to participants in our Employment Assistance Services program. The management team has been very accommodating to Emma’s support needs and have allowed her to grow her skills and experience as a Merchandiser.”
Q&A with Shoppers Drug Mart Associate Owner: Lisa Williams
Q: When did you first consider becoming an inclusive employer?
A: My neighbour, Chelsey Peckham, reached out to see if the Shoppers Drug Marts in Miramichi would be interested in participating in an Inclusion NB program. I was not aware the program existed. My teams and I were excited to be able to participate and foster more community involvement while learning from having a differently abled employee on our staff.
Q: What are the benefits of having Emma as part of your team?
A: Emma is a very focused and task-driven employee. She has enabled us to get ahead on planograms and ensures the store is customer ready.
Q: How has this enhanced your workplace culture?
A: Having Emma on our team has allowed us to reaffirm our CORE values of care, ownership, respect, and excellence. It is wonderful to provide an opportunity for people to succeed as their authentic selves, where differences are embraced, respected, supported, and valued. We have noticed an improvement in our workplace culture, with a greater focus on collaboration and creativity in achieving best practices.
Q: What’s been the feedback from your team and customers?
A: The staff love having Emma. She has such a warm presence and a “can-do” spirit. Customers have responded well, and while Emma does require some assistance from her job coach to ensure the best customer service experience, she is continuously learning and growing in her role.
Q: What would you say to other employers who are considering inclusive hiring?
A: Inclusion NB offers wonderful programs. Chelsey and her team ensured a smooth onboarding experience for both Emma and our management teams. If we needed guidance or had any questions, Chelsey was there to assist. As much as this program was an opportunity for Emma to receive some work experience, it was a great experience for myself and my staff.
Celebrating Inclusive Employment
Emma’s journey with Inclusion NB, combined with the support from her job coach, and the inclusive approach of Shoppers Drug Mart, showcases the power of inclusive hiring. Her success story highlights how a supportive workplace environment allows everyone to thrive.
Employers like Shoppers Drug Mart demonstrate that embracing inclusivity fosters a more dynamic, productive, and compassionate workplace. Emma’s journey is just one example of how meaningful work experience changes lives—not just for employees, but for businesses and communities as well.
To learn more about taking steps to become an inclusive employer, reach out to Debbie Thomas, Inclusion NB’s Labour Market Facilitator: debbiethomas@inclusionnb.ca