Giant Supermarkets have always been supportive in hiring people with disabilities.  Throughout Montgomery County they have hired six Gateway participants in six months.  In March of 2000, Gateway contacted the Giant of Audubon for their latest job openings.  Debi DiGiovani the store employment associate was eager to interview two of Gateway’s participants for customer service associate and stock positions.  Debi felt that Gateway participants are as qualified as other applicants and she’s hired both individuals. 

     Barb Baer was hired for a customer service associate.  Barb’s manager Chris Pate said that Barb is very friendly with customers and co-workers.  Barb is always willing to help out where she is needed.  Chris appreciated her reliability.  Barb likes her job and co-workers at Giant. 

     Jan Stavinga, the store employment associate at the Giant of Blue Bell, hired David Robinson in March 2000 as a customer service associate.  Jan liked the way that Gateway recommends individuals for certain jobs based on their ability.  She said David is a good and reliable worker.  David recently had his shift hours increased.  Jan is considering moving David to another department so that he may gain more experience. 

     Karen Fox and Stacey Kabic of the Horsham Giant were delighted to have participants from Gateway working at their store.  Karen said that she is willing to take a little extra time to work with people with disabilities because they usually prove to be reliable and eager to do their job, and do it well.  Stacey, who is in charge of interviewing, hiring, and scheduling, is known as the Associate’s Mom!  Congratulations to Raheem Staton, who celebrated his 1-year anniversary in May, and Bill Gitlin, just hired in June.  Both are doing well in his customer service positions. 

     Gateway thanks Giant for their willingness to employ people with disabilities. 

     Tuesday, October 17, 2000, Gateway will be participating in the Boscov’s “Friends Helping Friends Day”.  Please support Gateway by purchasing tickets to this event.  Tickets cost $6.00 and include five, 20% discount tickets.  All proceeds will benefit the Gateway Program. Tickets will be honored at any Boscov’s store.  Contact Rosalie for ticket sales at (610) 272-1411 ext. 102. 

     Congress has heard about some of the barriers to employment that people with disabilities face and has responded with The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act.  This historic legislation, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Clinton in December 1999, helps remove some disincentives for employment that people with disabilities encounter. 

“The Ticket to Work Act”, as it is known, helps address the problem of the loss of Medicare or Medicaid for someone who becomes employed and who has been receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  An individual of any age can receive Medicare if he/she receives Social Security for twenty-four (24) months.  Under previous law, the individual could continue receiving Medicare for four