Earlier this month, Maddie started her first job as a restaurant associate at Pizza Ranch in Round Lake. Ask her what that means, and the answer is simple. “I feel independent earning my own money.”

Pizza Ranch wasn’t new to Maddie. She interned there during her transition program and loved it. A few years later, when she began working with CEL’s Employment Opportunities Program, she remembered her positive experience and wanted to go back to Pizza Ranch for paid, meaningful employment.

She applied for a few different positions at the Round Lake location, which had a new manager since her internship. General Manager Tony Carlson was curious about this applicant with previous experience, and reached out to CEL Employment Specialist Tina to make the connection. Maddie interviewed with him right away, and he could tell she was a go-getter who would be a great addition to his team. Once she was hired, Tony worked with Maddie and Tina to find the role that would fit her best, and they landed on restaurant associate.

We asked Tony what disability inclusion means to him in the workplace. He shared, “I think inclusion from the top down is the most important thing we’re here for. Pizza Ranch’s mission is to positively impact the world.”

On working with CEL, he said, “This has been such a wonderful experience, being able to meet such great people. Professional growth and development are high on my list here at Pizza Ranch, and I can see the same is true for CEL.”

And what about other businesses who might consider becoming a CEL employment partner, what would Tony say to them? “Having a job coach who really wants to make sure Maddie is successful and meets our expectations is how CEL finds that happy medium that’s going to work for all three parties. Employees come with a built in reference, which really sets this above the normal hiring practices of just reading a resume and having no depiction of who this person is.”

That’s what an employment partnership with CEL looks like. Our employment specialists get to know each person’s strengths and interests, learn what your business needs, and stay involved to support a good match for everyone. You get a dedicated team member to work with, and a new colleague who is ready to contribute.

And if Tony had to describe Maddie in three words? “Positive, determined, and a delight.”

Your business could be the place where someone like Maddie finds her first job, her independence, and her next chapter. We’d love to talk.

Visit ExperienceCEL.org/Employ to get started today.