Special Needs Living Akron/Canton- August 2022

Community Employment Spotlight

Everyone’s Favorite Co-Worker

NICOLAS TOMINS

By Deborah Riley

Deborah Riley

Nicolas Tomins

Let me introduce you to Nick Tomins, or as his manager describes him, “everyone’s favorite” co-worker! Nick has worked at the Macedonia Burlington store for nearly three years, having been there since October of 2019. According to his manager, Tamika, Nick is a “very meticulous” and hard worker!

After graduating, Nick stayed for the Grade 23 program at Hudson High School. Grade 23 is a program that teaches job skills to prepare individuals for life after high school and for work in the community. While in the program, some of the job sites Nick worked at include Arhaus Furniture, Sheraton, Bevan Law Offices, and The Shelly Corporation. While he was in the Grade 23 program, Nick began working with Independent Employment Services for job development. Nick’s mother, Lisa, encourages other parents who have young adults in similar school programs to begin job development services at that time so that when they are done with their school programs, they are able to have a smooth transition into life post-high school.

Nick began working with Independent Employment Services in late 2018. His job developers assisted him with applying for and interviewing for various jobs. When Nick obtained his position with Burlington in October of 2019, he was able to work at Burlington three days per week while he attended Grade 23 twice per week. Upon leaving Grade 23, Nick was able to increase working from three to four days per week at Burlington. Nick’s role at Burlington has evolved over time, and his job developers have been available to help him as his responsibilities have changed. They helped him learn his role and responsibilities when he first started his job. During the Covid pandemic,

Nick took a three-month leave from work, and upon his return, his job developers were able to assist Nick with learning his new duties. They also helped him with being safe at work while working during a pandemic.

Nick’s favorite part of the job is working on the loading dock because it is quiet. He loves working with his store manager, Tamika, and his supervisor, Daja. Nick’s current role involves working in receiving. He unpacks the shoes from the shipping boxes, prices the shoes, puts on the security tags, and then stocks them on the shelves. He also helps with recovery in the shoe department. According to Tamika, “Nick is a very quick learner who likes to make sure his job is done right.” He will also make sure that everyone else is doing the job right as well. She said that Nick is always on task and gets along with everyone!

If you’re out shopping in the Macedonia area, stop by Burlington and check out the shoes. You may get to see Nick in action. You can be sure that he is working hard to keep the shoes stocked and organized!