One
AHEDD Participant Is Soaring to New Heights With Giant Eagle
When
Tom Brennen started his new job, he reported for duty with a strong
work ethic, highly effective people skills, and a plan for a promotion.
Brennen
started work at the Moon Township Giant Eagle in July of 2000 with the
support of a private non-profit agency, AHEDD, and the Office of Vocational
Rehabilitation in Pittsburgh. He began as a bagger, but his goal was
to become a cashier. Both of these positions can require much movement
and agility, demands Brennen seems to have no problem meeting, even
from his wheelchair.
After
proving himself as a bagger, Tom recently attained his goal to become
a cashier. Grocery Manager, Georgia Bettoni, observes that Tom asked
us if we thought he could do it. We said "yes". He does the
job really well.
While
Tom is pleased about his promotion, he says that the interaction with
Giant Eagle customers is what he likes the best about his job. "I
like to talk to people and help them out,"Tom says. Tom receives
the same respect from his co-workers and customers. Manager Bettoni
says "everyone likes Tom very much. He is friendly and always helpful."
The
Moon Township Giant Eagle wanted to install a ramp, so Tom could reach
the cash register more easily. A co-worker's husband built the ramp
for a nominal cost. Management says it has helped Tom "tremendously."
Giant
Eagle isn't the first successful relationship Tom Brennen has had with
an employer. He worked at his previous job for 13 years. While he wasn't
unhappy, Tom said comments, "I just wanted to do something different."
Tom
isn't sure when, or even if, he'll start planning another move up the
corporate ladder. Right now, he is just enjoying his success. Tom sums
up his employment by stating, "I feel it is interesting. I like
it. I feel really good."