James’s Journey to Employment

In December 2023, James joined Easterseals New Jersey, determined to secure the perfect job. After his initial assessment, Career Counselor Hailee Baez began helping him improve his resume, teach him interview skills, and assist him with appropriate work attire.

Once he felt ready to take the next step, Hailee began helping him send out numerous job applications that fit his interests. In January 2024, Costco asked for an interview with James as a Club Demonstrator and offered him the job on the spot!

James started working at Costco two days a week, while working at Easterseals New Jersey’s Raritan Valley Work Center another two days a week. Once James felt comfortable with the Costco position, they increased his hours to four days a week with the assistance of Hailee to ensure his success.

This hybrid work model allowed him to build the skills he needed to feel confident: communication, more refined interview skills, current trending questions, positive consumer engagement, product presentation, and sales.

Now, a year later, in February 2025, James verbalized confidence in himself to continue his employment journey without needing Hailee’s assistance. James was discharged from the program with a farewell celebration of his success in obtaining full-time employment in the community. We are so proud of you, James!