We recently connected with Bentzion Groner and have shared our conversation below.
Bentzion, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
When we first conceived the idea of starting a Thrift Boutique and Employment Training Center for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), we were filled with passion but sorely lacking in retail experience and business knowledge. The journey ahead seemed daunting, and we knew we needed guidance.
In our search for support, we discovered a like-minded organization called Our Thrift Store, led by Dave and Sandy Krekac. Taking a chance, we reached out to them, hoping for some advice. To our astonishment, Dave and Sandy didn’t just offer a few pointers—they took us under their wing and became our mentors.
From the very first meeting, they were incredibly generous with their time and knowledge. They patiently walked us through every step of the process, from business planning and store setup to the day-to-day operations and overcoming unexpected challenges. Their mentorship went beyond just practical advice; they shared their own experiences, their successes, and their mistakes, helping us avoid common pitfalls.
One particularly challenging moment stands out. We faced a critical hurdle with our business licensing just weeks before our planned opening. Feeling overwhelmed and on the verge of giving up, I called Dave for advice. Without hesitation, he drove over to our location, sat down with us, and worked late into the night to resolve the issue. His dedication and belief in our mission were profoundly moving.
Their unwavering support and kindness didn’t just help us launch ZABS Place; it also instilled in us a deep sense of confidence and resilience. Knowing that someone believed in our vision as much as we did made all the difference. It transformed our anxiety into excitement and our uncertainty into determination.
This act of kindness was more than just mentoring; it was a lifeline. Dave and Sandy’s generosity empowered us to create a space where individuals with I/DD could thrive, and their impact continues to ripple through every success story that emerges from ZABS Place. Their kindness was a beacon of hope during a time of uncertainty, and it will forever be etched in my heart as a testament to the power of compassion and mentorship.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
As directors of an organization creating social opportunities for children with special needs, we were approached by parents Charlie and Caren Gale, who had become frustrated in their effort to find employment for their 18-year-old son on the Autism Spectrum. After extensive research into existing opportunities and a joint effort by many in the community, ZABS Place opened in Downtown Matthews in 2014.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022, the national unemployment rate for persons with a disability was twice the rate for persons without a disability. However, in a brief, published by the Center For Studying Disability Policy for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (Oct. 2022) note that “Employment information is often limited.” and “Most data sets are not readily available.”
The unemployment rate for individuals with disabilities in North Carolina is 13%, more than three times the unemployment rate for people without disabilities, which is 4%.
19.9% of individuals with disabilities in North Carolina were not in the labor force, meaning they were neither employed nor looking for work. This is significantly higher than the 8.2% of people without disabilities who were not in the labor force. Even more notable, the underemployment rate for individuals with disabilities in North Carolina is 27%, compared to 11% underemployment for people without disabilities.
ZABS Place seeks to change these statistics by shifting the paradigm of employability and focusing on interest and talent-based employment.
While there is a national and statewide effort for more DEI in the workforce, when it comes to hiring individuals with intellectual or developmental differences, as opposed to other disabilities, employer interest wanes. This is attributed to several factors, including:
Perception of increased inabilities and lack of value to a business
Jobs available are outside their skill set or areas of interest
The number of hours they can work is limited by stamina and/or benefits
Lack of understanding in terms of necessary accommodations is intimidating
Businesses don’t feel equipped or qualified to support these candidates and help them succeed.
Solving the employment crisis for individuals with disabilities is somewhat of a Catch 22: It’s hard to get a job without any work experience, but it’s even harder to get work experience without a job…
At ZABS Place we recognize that everyone and everything has value and we are committed to providing opportunities for individuals of all abilities to identify and develop their own special talents.
ZABS Place is the destination for young adults with developmental differences interested in having a job but unsure of how to get one.
Basic questions like, “What’s your dream job?” or “What are you great at?” and even, “What do you like to do?” are tough to answer if you’ve never been asked before.
That’s where we start and the magic begins to unfold. We explore and try many new things. For most of our Talent, it’s the first time they’re given options and an opportunity to make choices for themselves. With an individualized work plan, they track their own progress, practice communication, and learn what it means to be part of a team and have responsibilities.
For some, a 4-month semester in our training program is just what they need to sharpen their skills, gain experience, and boost their confidence to find a job.
Most of our trainees, however, need more support and after the initial semester, once we have identified their abilities and talents, we are able to further customize training to support them in honing the specific skills they need to strengthen.
As part of the second semester, our Coaches identify potential jobs that utilize their unique talents and work on resume building, job search skills and interview-practice. The next step is to arrange externships at local businesses for our graduates to be able to observe those jobs in action to see if it’s a good fit.
Once they have a better idea of what their dream job entails, they’re ready for the internship stage so they can experience the job themselves. Our Coaches are there every step of the way, sometimes hanging back and observing, other times coaching or redirecting.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Since we are a brick and mortar shop, when Covid-19 hit it effected our bottom line as well as our trainees.
We’ve tried implementing one-on-one home-based skill building activities for our coaches to do with our ZABS young adults. It was very challenging since the environment is missing and the skills can’t be reinforced in the same way as routine is essential for a lot of our trainees.
We pivoted in the following ways:
Having one-on-one online coaching sessions for them to work towards some goals and skills
from home.
Working on social skills through a “phone tree” where our Special Talent reach out to check-in
on a co-worker. We also have several social programs online to help with boredom and lack of
structure.
Focusing on mental health with our online Team Gratitude Journal for them to share their
feelings and focus on positive things.
We had an excellent and very dedicated team of management/coaches who have been VERY
supportive of the changes and the fact that we’ve needed to reduce their hours. We also made sure to keep ALL OUR STAFF fully paid.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
Ensure every single employee and volunteer understands their role in the bigger picture of what you’re trying to accomplish. They should easily be able to explain to themselves and others how the actions they are taking contribute the success of the organization.
Ensure there is a complete open and honest communication. Don’t shy away from constructive criticism.
For me the most helpful tool is that every discussion lead to an action item and then assign:
– Who: One Individual accountable for the action item.
– When: Deadline for when said action item needs to be completed.
– What: Resources and personnel available to help complete action item.
– Answer: Who is holding said individual accountable to complete the action item.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zabsplace.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zabsplace/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZabsPlace
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zabsplace
- Twitter: https://x.com/zabsplace
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zabsplace
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/zabs-place-matthews
Image Credits
All these images are my own and I certify the rights to use them