Celebrating Employment Success During National Disability Employment Awareness Month

Darian Blalock, Featured NDEAM Employee

The month of October marks the celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, (NDEAM), and is designed to enhance the public awareness of the contributions of workers with disabilities. As an Employment and Training Center for more than 100 years, Ohio Valley Goodwill is pleased to share the stories of individuals who were assisted in attaining their jobs through the organization’s Employment Services team.

This week, Ohio Valley Goodwill is delighted to share the employment success of Darian Blalock. Darian works for the Kroger Company as is a Courtesy Clerk. His job includes bagging groceries for the customers as well as collecting the shopping carts from the parking lot. In addition, Darian helps to maintain the cleanliness of the store both inside and out; helping to ensure a pleasant shopping experience for his customers. Darian has been working for Kroger since October 2017. Darian enjoys working for Kroger and really enjoys taking care of the customers.

When he is not providing excellent customer service, Darian like to go swimming, play tennis and bowling. He loves to watch all sports on television including soccer, tennis, basketball and football.

Ohio Valley Goodwill congratulates Darian Blalock on his personal employment success!

Goodwill’s Employment team provides the following services to help individuals attain their vocational goals:

• Assistance and training in resume development and job-seeking skills
• Support in contacting employers to request job modifications and discuss job restructuring
• Individualized support during the application and interview process
• Retention services for individuals once employment is obtained

Individuals interested in our services are typically referred to us by the following agencies: Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (formerly known as the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission), Bureau of Worker’s Compensation as well as County Boards of Developmental Disabilities.

For more information, visit www.cincinnatigoodwill.org/services or call (513) 771-4800 and Employment Services.