Spotlight on Thomas K. at Sprouts Farmers Market

Spotlight on Thomas K. at Sprouts Farmers Market

Thomas K. started at Sprouts Farmers Market in Culver City on November 3, 2010.    Thomas works as a Courtesy Clerk and assists customers with bagging groceries, gathers carts in the parking lot, and helps keep the store looking clean.  

Sprouts has been a supporter of the Jobs program since the Culver City store opened in June, 2010.  Sprouts has employed other Best Buddies Jobs participants and is very supportive of the Best Buddies mission of transforming the lives of individuals with disabilities.  The atmosphere at Sprouts is always welcoming and encouraging, for both employees and customers.

In fact, it is the fun and warm atmosphere that Thomas enjoys best about working at Sprouts.  Thomas states that the people are the main reason why he loves his job.  “I love working with my coworkers, doing a good job, and making new friends,” he said.  Thomas is very social and loves talking sports with his coworkers, but he makes sure that doing a good job is his priority when he’s at work.   

One coworker in particular has been especially effective in working with Thomas.  Janice Aaron, a cashier at Sprouts, has worked closely with Thomas since he first began work at Sprouts.  Janice states that it is “amazing working with Thomas.  Considering any adversity he may have, Thomas still does his best.”  Janice helped Thomas learn the new skill of bagging groceries and she continues to offer Thomas encouragement and tips each day that they work together.  “He listens to instructions and accepts positive criticism with grace,” Janice says.  “I’m a big fan of his.  The customers like him too.” 

Thomas and Janice

Thomas’ mother Meredith Keyes explained why it was so important for her that Thomas has the support he needs on the job.  “Best Buddies Jobs is incredible,” she says.   Meredith explained that Thomas has had jobs before, but that he “hasn’t had the job coaching experience before and it’s wonderful.  He is able to learn new things that others thought that he couldn’t learn.” 

Thomas says that he has already learned a lot at Sprouts and is looking forward to learning more.  "I enjoy working at Sprouts," Thomas said.  "I want to learn something new."