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Thomas Byrd Employer of the Year Award This award recognizes an employer who has shown confidence in people with developmental disabilities by employing them in gainful positions, in an individualized integrated environment, and demonstrating a sincere interest in their success. The Kroger Company has been very supportive of the Community Based Vocational Training Program in DeKalb County for more than twenty years. They have invited students to train in their stores and then hired many of them upon graduation. Kroger works with the school system, the Adult Service Providers, MARTA Para-transit, the employees, and their families to assist the employees in becoming as independent as possible. Thomas Byrd, a 25-year-employee with Kroger, is a Front End Manager for the North Decatur Road store in Decatur where he has worked for the past three years. He has worked with the DeKalb County Schools Transition Class and has assisted in placing many of the students. One student has been successfully employed in the Bakery Department since 2001 and another as a Courtesy Clerk since 2004. Mr. Byrd embraces this program and says he is always excited about the students coming to work for Kroger and adds that the students are a wonderful enhancement to Kroger’s business. The students work crucial daytime hours when staffing is a challenge. In all cases, the students have been very reliable, and a tremendous help to customers and staff. Mr. Byrd is personally rewarded by helping the students develop their skills. Thank you to Mr. Byrd for welcoming the Transition Class students back to train each school year and for being a long-time friend and supporter of the program! |
Thomas Byrd
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