Gourmet popcorn social enterprise successfully encouraging inclusive employment
Popcorn For The People is a not-for-profit social enterprise with the purposeful mission of empowering adults with autism and other developmental disabilities by providing meaningful employment. This enterprise was started by Dr. Steven Bier and his wife Dr. Barbie Zimmerman-Bier to encourage and employ their son Sam who has Autism. Popcorn For The People is a valuable pillar of our society that is motivating an inclusive workforce and giving an encouraging message to the rest of companies and industry to enhance inclusiveness for the betterment of the community.
Thank you Popcorn For The People for your time and useful tips. Your positive steps towards an inclusive workforce are inspirational. More Info
Right now we employ 23 adults with disabilities.
Work related questions:
Q: What kind of recruiting process is in place to employ candidates with disabilities?
A: We believe each person is different and brings their own strengths and weaknesses to the table, therefore we interview each candidate" Upon hiring the workers, we place them in the area that best suits their skills. The workers who thrive more on social interaction and have a visible passion for the popcorn, work at events. The workers who excel more with making the product, work in the facility.
Q: What kind of training is given to new employees to get them ready for the job? What is the usual training duration?
A: We have a hands-on evaluation where they work in an area their comfortable with. All training is done one on one by the chef with the workers who make and bag the popcorn in the facility and the event coordinator with the workers doing events. This way, the workers are able to actually get a feel for what they will be doing. The hands-on training is also used to help the workers quickly become more acquainted with the working environment.
Q: What is the general skill set that you look for in a candidate with disabilities?
A: For our workers doing events, having an outgoing personality, and showing enthusiasm and excitement for the product. In the production facility we need workers with good hand/eye coordination, listening skills and being able to get along with others. When assessing the workers, we make sure they are put in the working environment that well suits them. They will be the most successful, where they are comfortable.
Q: What is your suggestion/tips for families of children with disabilities who want to get their kids ready for employment?
A: Parents getting involved with the organization, providing transportation for their kids. The more the parents get involved, the easier it will be to remove the roadblocks keeping the children from employment. It is crucial that the parents of those with autism stay involved in their kids’ lives. With their involvement it will be much easier to overcome the roadblocks their children may face when seeking employment.
Q: What is the best way to accelerate awareness and promote an inclusive workforce?
A: By succeeding production sales is the best advertisement of an inclusive workforce. Selling products in the community, schools and local businesses are the best way for awareness. Anything that will promote the cause and get adults with disabilities employed, will be something worth doing.
