When 27-year-old Clarence Wheeler moved to a new town with his mother Peggy last November, he left behind more than just a familiar community. For nearly three years, Clarence had worked at Kwik Trip, where he built relationships, developed valuable skills, and found a sense of purpose through meaningful employment.
Clarence’s story is a testament to the power of personalized support and inclusive workplaces. Here’s how his journey unfolded—and how Employment Resources, Inc. (ERI) helped him find his place in the workforce.
A Job That Fit Just Right
"At Kwik Trip, I was stocking in the cooler, cleaning the coffee stuff on counters, and everything," Clarence shares with pride. "If there was anything spilled, I would help with that. I helped mop the floor."
Clarence’s mother, Peggy, recalls how well Lisa understood their needs. "Lisa was a great fit with us," she says. "She really listened to both of us about what we were hoping to achieve and look for."
A Supportive Workplace
What made Kwik Trip special was its inclusive environment. The store manager, Jill, had personal experience with autism and was deeply supportive of Clarence’s needs. The entire staff embraced the idea of a job coach and worked to ensure Clarence felt welcome and valued.
This supportive atmosphere allowed Clarence to thrive. He learned workplace skills like flexibility and developed coping strategies for challenging situations, such as when the store became noisy. Most importantly, Kwik Trip treated Clarence as an equal team member.
"He was making a regular wage. It wasn’t any different than anybody else’s wage starting out as an employee," Peggy explains. "And he left making a very good wage for what he was doing as well."
More Than a Paycheck
For Clarence, the benefits of employment went far beyond a paycheck. His job gave him independence, confidence, and the ability to enjoy activities he loves, like going to the movies and attending Camp Daniel, where he participates in theater and reconnects with friends each year.
Clarence’s work at Kwik Trip also gave him a sense of belonging. He formed meaningful relationships with coworkers and took pride in contributing to the team.
A New Chapter
"We had such a good experience working with Lisa and ERI the first time around," Peggy says. "We definitely wanted to continue that if your company was still available in our area, which thankfully, it is."
Clarence’s Strengths in the Workplace
Clarence brings many strengths to the workplace. Lisa describes him as someone who "wants to help others, is willing to learn, and very polite." He’s social, punctual, and respectful—often going out of his way to open doors for others or thank service members in uniform.
Today, Clarence misses the routine and relationships of his job at Kwik Trip, even the challenging work in the cooler. His story shows how the right employment support can create life-changing opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The Power of Partnership
Clarence’s journey highlights the importance of organizations like ERI and employers like Kwik Trip who see the potential in every individual. By working together, they create pathways to independence, fulfillment, and belonging that extend far beyond the workplace.
For Clarence, finding the right job wasn’t just about work—it was about finding his place in the world. And with the right support, he’s ready to do it all over again.
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