Two women wheeling carts filled with groceries smile and wave as they exit the ShopRite on Joyce Road in New Rochelle, N.Y.

“Bye, bye,” Ayana says, waving back. “Have a nice weekend!”

Ayana is one of four people with developmental disabilities who work at the supermarket and receive services from the YAI Network’s Westchester Employment Services program.  Since January, Ayana has worked at the New Rochelle ShopRite as a grocery bagger at check-out.

After scanning the long row of registers, she starts bagging at lane 16. It’s getting busy on a Friday afternoon, but as Ayana welcomes the customers, it’s quite clear that working at ShopRite is much more than a job for her.

“I have a lot of friends here,” Ayana said. “A lot of the customers know me and it makes me feel happy.”

However, Ayana was not always so confident in her work. When she first came to the YAI Network in 2008, a recent family move from Brooklyn to Yonkers meant leaving behind a job she enjoyed at a Chinese restaurant.  Disappointed at this, and finding herself in unfamiliar territory, Ayana was shy and unsure of herself.

Over time, however, Ayana worked with YAI staff to overcome her apprehension. She seized several opportunities, including a YAI-BOCES summer program at Walmart, Pizzeria Uno and Legal Seafood, and a ShopRite internship program.  These experiences not only helped her gain valuable job skills, but also helped her build self-confidence.

With on-the-job practice, Ayana was able to connect with her peers, as well as customers. A few months later, she was noticeably excited when she was hired for the opening of ShopRite’s New Rochelle store.

“It’s her enthusiasm, motivation and the fact that she’s always smiling,” Damaris Rivas, ShopRite’s Shopper Advocate, says of Ayana.  It was easy to see what made Ayana stand out during the job interview process: “She wants to work.”

“It feels like this is a second home and a second family for her,” says Sean Sweeney, an Employment Training Specialist from YAI’s Westchester Employment Services program. Having worked closely with Ayana, Sean has witnessed tremendous changes in her demeanor since she started the job.

“Ayana is different now,” Sean explains. “She has great relationships with all the cashiers, has conversations with the customers while bagging, and everyone enjoys speaking with her.”

Theresa Casarella, another YAI Employment Training Specialist who works with Ayana, agrees.

“She was much less confident in the beginning, turning to us when she really didn’t need our help,” Theresa recalls.  “Now, she’s much more independent. And she takes a lot of pride in her work.”

Ayana has reached a level of comfort with her new job and the new people in her life. She no longer misses her old job at the Chinese restaurant, and is now finding fulfillment in her new position.

“I’m staying in my job,” Ayana said, “because I love it.”