Ferndale Haggen wins award from Cascade Vocational Services

DAVE GALLAGHER - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

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Cascade Vocational Services announced the Ferndale Haggen store as its most recent CVS Employer of the Quarter for its outstanding partnership for employing people with disabilities.

In 2007, Teri Smith, a Ferndale resident and CVS participant, began working as a food court attendant at Haggen. Though Smith is hearing impaired, Haggen did not see her disability as an impediment to employment when approached about potential job opportunities.

The Ferndale grocer began employing Smith with three weekly shifts during the height of the lunch rush. Now, more than two years later, Haggen continues to employ Smith with increased hours and job responsibilities.

"Employees with disabilities, when fully engaged like Teri, have shown to be extremely productive workers who typically remain with their employer," CVS Program Director Kristin Nguyen says. "In Haggen's case, they can look forward to having a loyal and hardworking employee for years to come."

Cascade Vocational Services is a private, non-profit organization committed to expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities throughout Whatcom County. For details, call 647-9087.