Hope Services is proud to spotlight the evolving success story of two remarkable participants receiving Community Employment Services at Hope. Kimmy and Therese have secured year-long internships with Gilroy Grocery Outlet, a newfound employment partnership that couldn’t be more ideal. The internship (subsidized by SARC) will culminate in the chance for store owners, Yvo and Kal Ghanem, to consider Kimmy and Therese for permanent employment.

“Since we purchased the store in Gilroy, the community embraced us in such a loving way, which made it easy to reciprocate,” reflects Kal, underscoring the natural progression to a partnership with Hope Services.

Since December, the interns have enjoyed direct mentorship from Yvo and Kal, and are experiencing real progress in just the first few months.

As Yvo notes, “Kimmy & Therese, have been an absolute pleasure to work with… they take instructions and coaching to heart and execute to our expectation.”

Working diligently three days per week, Kimmy and Therese are each learning store operations, product presentation, and customer service skills. Their tasks range from stocking shelves and inventory management to engaging directly with shoppers—each new responsibility intended to enhance their skill set and bolster their confidence in the workplace. 

Yvo and Kal have not only been supportive employers but also vocal advocates for inclusivity and community well-being. “Truthfully, we are not sure if we are improving their lives or they are changing ours,” Yvo shared, reflecting on the impact Kimmy and Therese have had on their store and personal perspectives.

Yvo and Kal are deeply invested in nurturing a relationship that goes beyond the duration of the internship, and their dedication to the personal and professional growth of Kimmy and Therese is evident week after week.

“We can’t imagine the store without them on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday,” Yvo shares, emphasizing the integral role Kimmy and Therese have played at the Grocery Outlet.

Since opening the store this past fall, the Ghanems’ have not only become advocates for inclusive employment but also pillars in the Gilroy community, known for their personal approach and deep connection with customers. Their mission-driven leadership at the Grocery Outlet serves as an exemplary model of how businesses can play a crucial role in creating a more inclusive and supportive society.

“Our core value at our Gilroy Grocery outlet is to drive change, changing lives for the better—ours, our employees, and the lives of the communities we are in. It’s doing what’s right, not what’s convenient,” states Yvo.

Their experience with Hope Services and the internship program has been a journey of mutual respect, learning, and shared values. “Working with Hope Services gave us that opportunity we were seeking. It’s been a humbling experience,” acknowledges Kal, expressing gratitude for the seamless support and collaboration from Hope Services.

As we celebrate the progress and integration of Kimmy and Therese into the Gilroy community through this partnership, we invite other employers to recognize the untapped potential and numerous benefits of inclusive employment through Hope Services’ Community Employment Services. 

Together, we can forge pathways to independence and inclusivity, creating a brighter future for everyone involved.

To learn more about how your business can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities, check out this detailed blog post on the subject.

Let’s continue to change lives, together.