Ilion Store Thrives, Thanks to Employees
by Hugo Bravo
Jonathon Polley and Peyton Wright came to work for The Salvation Army’s Ilion thrift store through Career Connections, a program by Arc Herkimer, a nonprofit that advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“This program brings individuals with disabilities to work with us as volunteers, and after a certain number of days, we can hire them,” says Bettina DeCondo, thrift store supervisor under the Army’s Syracuse Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC). “They have coaches who come visit them during the week and help with anxiety or any issues they may have.”
DeCondo says customers have been kind and encouraging to Jonathon and Peyton. Both men have become important members of the team and even helped increase business in the store.
“Jonathon has taken over organizing the physical media in our store,” says Melissa Holmes, store manager at Ilion. “He makes sure the media shelves are full and labeled with prices, and we’ve even seen an increase in our movies and music sales since he started.
“And Peyton loves to talk to customers and donors about the thrift store and helps people find products,” says Holmes. “It takes him a bit to open up to others, but he always wants to do more around our store.”
Last October, the Ilion thrift store was recognized by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Bryan Jarvi, director of business for the Syracuse ARC, along with Holmes, DeCondo, Lieutenant Joel Monasterio, and representatives of Career Connections, were presented with the honor at a ceremony honoring workplaces that celebrate the value and talents of folks with disabilities.
“This was because of the work that Melissa and her team are doing at Ilion,” says Jarvi. “Our stores do well and get results because we care and support our team members.”
Working with people who have developmental disabilities can be like riding a roller coaster, Holmes admits. Moods and feelings can sometimes dictate how they will work that day.
“You just need to know how to talk and communicate with them,” says Holmes, who is looking forward to bringing on two more people from Career Connections soon. “And the growth I’ve seen from Jonathon and Peyton is incredible. I love to watch them work and take on their responsibilities. Jonathon was even named our Employee of the Year.”
“Jonathon and Peyton have improved the vibe at the Ilion store and the connection with the community. You can really feel it when you visit,” says Jarvi. “These are adults who might not be able to get a job anywhere else. But at The Salvation Army, they’re regular employees.”
