Mission Moment: A Career Fueled by Consistency, Confidence, and a Can-Do Attitude

Kelly, Plato’s Closet Employee and NW Works Team Member

March is nationally recognized as Developmental Disability Awareness Month (DDAM), and at NW Works we’re honored to support adults with developmental disabilities and share their successes, impact, and growth.

In the fall of 2024, Kelly began working at Plato’s Closet Winchester. Store Manager Mac Hall remembers her interview clearly. “Not only was Kelly capable, she was ambitious. She showed an excitement and desire to work and learn that I see less and less of in people today.”

Kelly was hired knowing she would have different support and training needs than some other employees. As Mac shared, “Sure, she would have different support and training needs than others I had hired and trained, but so what? After all, everyone (with or without disabilities) has varying support needs and learning methods.”

During her first few weeks, Kelly, her job coach Caitlin, and the store leadership worked together to adjust training strategies and create resources that made tasks easier to learn. When something felt challenging, Kelly’s response was consistent: “I’ll get the hang of it.” Fast forward a year and a half later, and Mac reflected on Kelly’s substantial progress and can-do attitude, “Every time she did get the hang of it, to the point where we no longer use some of the strategies we relied on heavily a year ago, and tasks that were daunting then are second nature now.”

Kelly was especially excited to learn the register. She practiced at home and regularly asked for additional time to build her skills during shifts. When store procedures changed, including adjustments to transaction processes, her reaction remained steady. “I’ll get used to it.” And she did.

Over time, Kelly’s confidence grew with the support of her family, job coach, and her colleagues at Plato’s Closet. Mac reflected, “In the past year Kelly’s confidence and independence have grown exponentially.” She also shared an important perspective about inclusive employment: “I didn’t take a chance. My job as a manager is to provide my team with the tools they need to succeed. I never once doubted that Kelly was capable of doing the job, so why would I not then do my job and provide her with the tools she needs the same way I have done for every other member of my team?”

Kelly’s growth did not happen in isolation. It came from consistent effort on her part, collaboration with her job coach, and a workplace willing to provide the tools and flexibility every employee needs in order to succeed.

Stories like Kelly’s are why Developmental Disability Awareness Month matters. Awareness is important, but it is in everyday workplaces, through steady support and clear communication, that confidence and independence continue to grow.

*NW Works respects the privacy of our team members and does not disclose individual disabilities, complying with all applicable privacy laws. Kelly represents our diverse community without reference to specific disabilities.