03-26-2006, 08:08 PM
Eden WERCs and ACREs participant Ariel "Ari" Shiner is celebrating 25 years of employment at Wawa food market at University Place in Princeton. To commemorate this milestone, a reception will take place in Shiner's honor at the Eden WERCs Clayton Center, Old Trenton Road, 10:30 a.m. Friday.
Eden WERCs (Work, Education and Resource Centers) is the adult employment division of the Princeton-based, Eden Family of Services, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lifespan supports for children and adults with autism. Shiner also is an Eden ACRE's (A Community Residence Experience) participant and has lived in one of Eden's residences for nearly 20 years.
Shiner, who began working for Wawa in March 1981, is considered by many a pioneer in opening the door for people with autism to gain employment and make a living as contributing members of society.
Among those expected to attend the celebration are Wawa CEO Howard Stoeckel, Eden Family of Services President/CEO Thomas P. McCool, and many individuals with autism who are employed by Wawa. Also in attendance will be Joe Bendas, Wawa area manager, who first hired Shiner to stock shelves, prepare coffee and price candy.
"This was one of the best decisions I have ever made," said Bendas. "Hiring Ari was such a success that 25 years later, other employers as well as nine additional Wawa stores are hiring people with autism from Eden. In fact, today there are more than 350 special-needs placements in Wawa's 520 stores that comprise a five-state area on the eastern seaboard."
"Ariel is extremely efficient and very conscientious in all the work that he does," said University Place store manager John Golias. "He does not leave an area (of the store) unless he feels it is perfect."
Shiner will receive a plaque from Wawa commending him for his quarter-century of hard work and service.
From nj.com
Eden WERCs (Work, Education and Resource Centers) is the adult employment division of the Princeton-based, Eden Family of Services, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lifespan supports for children and adults with autism. Shiner also is an Eden ACRE's (A Community Residence Experience) participant and has lived in one of Eden's residences for nearly 20 years.
Shiner, who began working for Wawa in March 1981, is considered by many a pioneer in opening the door for people with autism to gain employment and make a living as contributing members of society.
Among those expected to attend the celebration are Wawa CEO Howard Stoeckel, Eden Family of Services President/CEO Thomas P. McCool, and many individuals with autism who are employed by Wawa. Also in attendance will be Joe Bendas, Wawa area manager, who first hired Shiner to stock shelves, prepare coffee and price candy.
"This was one of the best decisions I have ever made," said Bendas. "Hiring Ari was such a success that 25 years later, other employers as well as nine additional Wawa stores are hiring people with autism from Eden. In fact, today there are more than 350 special-needs placements in Wawa's 520 stores that comprise a five-state area on the eastern seaboard."
"Ariel is extremely efficient and very conscientious in all the work that he does," said University Place store manager John Golias. "He does not leave an area (of the store) unless he feels it is perfect."
Shiner will receive a plaque from Wawa commending him for his quarter-century of hard work and service.
From nj.com