Little City, Big Careers.

After working for a year with the Employee Development Services (EDS) at Little City’s Grayslake Center, Brenda was excited to start the interview process for a new job. But as is the case with many job searches, rejection was part of the scenario. Brenda could not find the job she had been working toward right away, but it ended up being a valuable learning experience.  

“She did have a number of interviews before her job at Mariano’s and one reason is that she can be a little bit shy at first,” said Kelly Wagner, Brenda’s job coach.  

“As she got more comfortable, she was able to open up more and communicate what her abilities are. She grew by leaps and bounds.”  

Brenda’s interview skills improved at the perfect time as it led her to landing a job at Mariano’s in Gurnee in May 2024. Though grocery store work was not what Brenda had initially pursued, it turned out to be a perfect fit. Her natural desire to help people, paired with her positive attitude, has made her an ideal bagger. She even finds ways to help customers when there is no one in line, often standing near the front of her station to ask if anyone needs help.   

“I’ve actually been able to work with Brenda since she first started in EDS in 2023,” Kelly said. “She has always had a positive attitude and brings joy with her everywhere she goes, whether it is volunteering or at work. She is very willing to learn and has picked up on time management skills, work ethic, teamwork, and even asking for help when she needs it.”   

Yenza Talgo, service operations manager at Mariano’s, said the store is always striving to provide opportunities for people with developmental disabilities and Brenda has been a great example of how they can strengthen the whole team. 

“She is wonderful to work with and is great with customers and her co-workers,” Yenza said. “The few times there has ever been an issue, I can just pull her aside really quick, and she is always able to take direction and keep going.”   

Brenda has been part of a substantial growth in Grayslake’s EDS program, which has nearly doubled since it first started a couple of years ago. With 16 students now in the program, Kelly said more interested community partners like Mariano’s continue to provide opportunities for people in the program. And the retention rate for those who do get jobs through the program has been exceptional.   

“It is my first time working with Mariano’s and they have been another fantastic partner for us,” Kelly said. “They do a great job providing feedback and communicating and they are clear about how proud they are of the work Brenda does and how well she has done.” 

Kelly said 2025 looks like it should be another successful year for Brenda and students at the Grayslake EDS program.   

“I definitely believe this could be a long-term fit for her,” Kelly said. “She has already grown a lot. She has really wowed me, especially in being able to get out of her shell and communicate with customers.”