Are you a coffee lover? A recent survey from the National Coffee Association found that 64 percent of Americans drink a cup of coffee every day. Annie's enthusiasm to find employment through The Arc led her to discover a job fueling her community’s caffeine craving. Annie's previous work experience qualified her for numerous job opportunities in North Central Massachusetts. After spending a couple of weeks searching and sending out applications, Annie landed an interview with Johnny Ahearn, co-owner of Aroma Joe’s. With great enthusiasm, Annie began to prepare for interview questions with the employment team at The Arc. After Annie’s hard work, preparation, and focus, she received a job offer from Aroma Joe’s.
When asked about her experience during the job searching process, Annie said, “During my first meeting with The Arc, I was asked a lot of questions to find out what job I was interested in. Over the next couple of weeks, I updated my resume, applied to many jobs, and prepared for interviews. Finally, after all the hard work, I found the right job. Thanks to The Arc of Opportunity for helping me get a job I love!”
After two weeks with job coaching from The Arc, Annie began working independently. She quickly learned certain techniques to create signature lattes and prepare various breakfast treats, which make Aroma Joe's unique. Johnny Ahern has high praises for the new hire, “Annie started with us full of motivation and excitement, and those are qualities I look for when bringing on a new member to my team. Since starting, she has undergone an extensive amount of training, both hands-on and online. Annie has become confident in the specialty beverages she prepares. Our staff is a big family who gained another member. Annie is making new friends and we are starting to see more of her awesome personality with her jokes around the shop. I look forward to her excelling within our Aroma Joe’s family. I see good things from her in the future.”
Through her job, Annie is making meaningful connections in her community and displaying tremendous growth in her first month of employment at Aroma Joe’s. The Arc applauds Annie's success and hopes she does not “procaffinate” (The tendency not to do anything until you have a cup of coffee). Special thanks to Aroma Joe’s and their team for collaborating with The Arc to provide valuable opportunities for people with disabilities.