The team at Work Opportunities Unlimited (WOU) is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities achieve success in the workplace. With support from his Career Resource Specialist Khristina Hardy, Andrew learned valuable skills at a variety of jobs and volunteering placements, so he was ready to thrive at the job of his dreams!
When Andrew began working with Khristina in 2019, he wasn’t sure what type of job he wanted, but he wished to be useful. “Andrew’s super sweet and friendly and loves people. He’s caring, dedicated, and hardworking,” says Khristina. “He genuinely wants to be part of his community, and work somewhere where he is not just a part-time employee, but is really doing something meaningful.” Khristina and Andrew explored a variety of opportunities in the greater Andover, MA area. She helped him secure placements at five employers and two volunteer sites; for instance, he worked as a dishwasher at a restaurant, as a dietary aide, and volunteered at a nursing home. None of these was a great fit for Andrew, but he was open to trying and would always accomplish his tasks. One of Andrew’s favorite roles was at his local Walgreens. He successfully completed the company’s in-store training program, Retail Employees with Disabilities Initiative (REDI), and was hired as a part-time Associate, where he worked for nearly one-and-a-half years. He focused primarily on checking expiration dates on products, which was a perfect task for him, as he loves numbers. He also assisted customers on the sales floor. Andrew really enjoyed his position at Walgreens, and he felt useful, but he needed more hours than the store could offer.
While still employed in his previous roles, Andrew decided that his dream job would be at Stop and Shop. The grocery store had a location just a three-minute walk from Andrew’s home, where he shops almost daily and knows several associates, so he was very comfortable with the environment. However, Andrew wasn’t interested in typical tasks like bagging groceries or working the register; he prefers an active role that would let him move around the store, so he didn’t want to be confined to the register area. Khristina was determined to get Andrew a spot at the store, so she partnered with Jill Fogg, Team Leader in WOU’s Business Development department, to assist with her job carving skills. After meeting virtually with Khristina and Andrew to learn all about his interests and job goals, Jill researched existing roles at Stop and Shop and pinpointed the specific tasks that Andrew would enjoy and could successfully perform. Then Jill proceeded to diligently advocate alongside Khristina on Andrew’s behalf to the employer to consider a tailor-made role for Andrew. “I was prepared to discuss how a role like this adds value to the store as a whole,” says Jill. 
Over the course of five years, Andrew applied four times, had two interviews, and attended two hiring events, but unfortunately, “It wasn’t the right management, or the right team,” explains Khristina. She and Jill “tag teamed” to keep in contact with the store in pursuit of an opportunity for Andrew. “Huge shout out to Jill,” says Khristina. “She is unbelievably great at her job.” Their steady effort led to a breakthrough for Andrew in June of 2025. “Andrew finally received what would be his final in-person interview at Stop and Shop! He was offered a position as a front-end bundler, carved perfectly for his needs,” says Khristina. Plus, the store guarantees a minimum of twelve hours per week, so Andrew was excited to have the job he wanted and the hours he desired. “When the call came in that Andrew was officially offered the position, it was a moment neither of us will ever forget,” Jill recalls. “Khristina is an incredible asset to the Merrimack Valley Team, and I’m honored to work with her.”
Andrew officially joined the Stop and Shop team in late June of 2025. As a front-end bundler, he clears shopping carts from within and outside the store, and performs “clean sweeps,” which involves scanning barcodes on each store aisle and ensuring it’s clean and organized. Andrew also provides top-notch customer service as he assists shoppers to their vehicles with their groceries. He is sure to politely introduce himself when offering this service, saying, “Hi, I’m Andrew, I work here at Stop and Shop, would you like help to your car?” The vast majority of customers accept his help with a smile.
Khristina visits Andrew onsite weekly and checks in frequently with his front-end supervisor, Christina, who shares that Andrew is doing wonderfully and is well-liked by coworkers and customers. Christina emphasizes growth and development for her employees, so she suggested some potential new responsibilities for Andrew – including checking and pulling products past their expiration dates, which is his absolute favorite task! Now Andrew happily spends approximately half of each shift checking expiration dates.
Anytime Khristina asks Andrew how everything is going at work, he says he loves it. “To say I think Andrew has found his place where he can be useful is an understatement. I believe Andrew has found his ‘home.’ He seems very, very happy. I’m super excited for him. He waited a long time, and he really worked hard for this.” Jill states, “Andrew is so lucky to have Khristina’s support. She consistently communicated with me throughout the entire job placement process. Andrew’s story is a beautiful reminder that collaboration can turn a single opportunity into a life-changing experience.” Congratulations, Andrew!
