Sheetz has joined a state program in Pennsylvania that seeks to help people with disabilities obtain competitive employment and higher pay, reported Northcentralpa.com.
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) created the new program through its Office of Vocational Rehabilitation using a $14 million federal grant. The program, called Integrated Vocational Engagement & Support Team (InVEST), will help Pennsylvanians with disabilities “who are working in sheltered workshops for below minimum wage pursue stable career paths.”
“Sheetz is committed to being a great place to work and to do what we can to create more inclusive communities. The InVEST program builds on the success of our ‘store helper’ program, which has created new employment opportunities at stores in Blair and York counties for people with disabilities. We deeply appreciate this partnership with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and we are excited to bring this program to our Claysburg facilities,” Nick Ruffner, Sheetz spokesman told The Altoona Mirror.
Pennsylvania is one of 14 states receiving federal Department of Education grants aimed at raising people from subminimum wage jobs.
"Today marks a transformative moment for individuals with disabilities across Pennsylvania. The launch of the InVEST program represents a significant leap forward in our commitment to ensuring that every Pennsylvanian, regardless of disability, can obtain competitive, integrated employment,” said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. “By leveraging this $14 million federal grant, we are addressing the barriers faced by those in subminimum wage jobs and empowering them to build fulfilling careers with dignity and respect.”