Founded on the belief that all people can work, Work Opportunities Unlimited (WOU) seeks to remove the barriers to employment for people with disabilities. For Luiza, multiple WOU teams came together to help her find a new role where she could express her creativity and reach her full potential.
Luiza finds comfort and joy in the precise measurements and creative process involved in making pastries and cakes. She had previously worked as a cake decorator in a grocery store bakery and loved it. Unfortunately, the store where Luiza worked did not offer a supportive environment for her, and she was switched to a different position. Dayna Sharon, Director of WOU’s Worcester/Framingham, MA market, explains, “She didn’t have natural supports, and the bakery department didn’t feel like it was a good match for her, so the store had transferred her to the front end and she was bagging groceries. I made the initial contact with Luiza’s family back when she was referred to us in February of 2023, and her mom let me know that she was just really unhappy. She wanted to do a creative job, and they were hoping that we could help her get one.”
Luiza began working with her former Career Resource Specialist (CRS), Cat Bulikowski, to find a new opportunity. She interviewed with several businesses, but none of them felt quite right. Then Cat sought out the support of Jill Fogg, Team Leader for WOU’s Business Development Team, for help in finding Luiza the right position. “It was my privilege to know and support Luiza,” says Jill. “As a Business Developer, I make it a point to connect with all new clients so that I can better advocate for them when calling potential employers on their behalf. I met with Luiza in November of 2023, and saw first-hand her passion for baking and cake decorating.” Dayna shares, “We work with the Business Development Team on an ongoing basis. They take the time to get to know the client and the client’s needs. They have this beautiful way of highlighting the client’s strengths when they reach out to employers. They really pave the way for us, so that by the time we get an interview scheduled, a lot of times these hiring managers feel like they really know our clients already.”
Jill and the Business Development Team reached out to Shaw’s, a Corporate Partner of WOU, and spoke with Debbie in HR. Although there was no position open in the Hudson, MA location’s bakery, Debbie was very interested in hearing about Luiza and her skills in cake decorating. Cake decorators are difficult to come by, and Debbie wanted to talk to the store manager about creating a spot for Luiza. When Debbie interviewed Luiza, she was very impressed with her talent and determination to achieve her dream of working in a bakery. After a second interview with the store manager, Luiza was hired in December of 2023!
Luiza was very excited to begin her new role, even asking if she could bring home some pastry bags and paper sheets to practice her decorative writing skills. With her keen eye for detail, incredible artistic talent, positivity, and eagerness to learn, Luiza quickly became an integral part of the small bakery team at Shaw’s. She always has a smile and warm welcome for her current CRS Danielle Booth, who visits Luiza regularly at the bakery. Danielle shares, “Luiza is a ball of sunshine! She loves being able to learn. Every time I come in, she instantly shows me the tray of things she has worked on, and what she did to add her own ‘touch’ to it.” In addition to her beautiful cake decorating, Luiza also helps her team with a variety of tasks including slicing and packaging bread, filling pastries with cream, decorating eclairs, and more. Plus, she always makes sure to maintain a clean working environment.
Danielle says, “Luiza continues to give 100% of what she has with enthusiasm. She talks about how she wants to start her own bakery but states that she is still young and has to work her way up to gain more experience.” Shaw’s offers a wonderful work environment for Luiza to advance her career, with plenty of natural supports and guidance, and she is thriving in her new role. “Luiza’s manager in the bakery, Kelly, has always said good things about her, and will write a list of things Luiza can do when Kelly leaves,” states Danielle. “Debbie in HR also has a kind spirit and encourages Luiza to practice her creativity whenever she can.”
Luiza works part time in the bakery, but her goal was to work full time so she can support herself in the future. To meet that goal, Danielle shares, “Luiza was willing to be flexible and help where it is needed, so Jill helped Luiza gain more hours in other departments at Shaw’s, such as the front end and produce.” Luiza’s successful employment is a terrific example of collaboration among WOU’s CRSs, Business Development Team members, and Corporate Partnerships. As Jill says, “Watching Luiza succeed in her role in the bakery is a reminder that with the right support and opportunities, everyone can shine. It’s why we do what we do. It’s all about giving our clients a fair shot at being their best selves.” WOU wishes you a bright future, Luiza!
