Real Jobs, Real Growth: Stories from KAA’s WORK Program

Ken Anderson Alliance’s WORK Program helps adults with disabilities find and build meaningful employment. It’s about more than just getting a job — it’s about discovering purpose, building confidence, and becoming part of a community.

Rachel has customers who come in specifically to see her.
Evan has been training new staff at a job he’s held for nearly two years.
Wilson earned his way into a new role with more responsibility.

They’re people who came to KAA’s WORK Program, got connected to the right opportunity, and built something real from it.

Rachel: From the Back of the House to the Heart of the Team

Rachel’s first role focused on back of the house tasks such as folding boxes, learning workplace routines, and finding her footing. Over time, that changed.

With support from KAA’s employment team, Rachel moved into a customer-facing role at Nothing Bundt Cakes where she began greeting customers, filling orders, and becoming a recognized part of the team by customers.

“We have customers that come in because they want to see her. Which is a real joy to see.” –Rachel’s Coworker

Rachel puts it simply: “I like to talk to customers… Yes, I like to work here.”

A Dream Realized

Finding that fit was intentional. KAA’s employment team worked to understand Rachel’s interests, strengths, and goals before connecting her with an opportunity. 

“We helped her find this job at Nothing Bundt Cakes to fulfill her dream.” –Mike Tomlinson, KAA Employment Specialist 

Rachel’s customers don’t just come in for the cake. They come in for her, and she enjoys what she does. That’s what finding the right match looks like. 

Want to see Rachel in action and hear more about her journey? 
Watch her inspiring story on Facebook → 

Evan: From Learning the Job to Teaching It 

Evan has been a Kitchen Worker at Skyline for almost two years. The role he has today looks different from where he started.

When Evan first began, he was focused on learning his responsibilities, including dishwashing and cleaning. That process wasn’t always straightforward. Early on, he struggled with lifting a full trash can and pouring it into the dumpster. After several attempts, his job coach encouraged him to trust himself and keep trying. Then, Evan did it.

Today, he’s training new staff – showing them how the dishwasher works, where dishes belong, where to find tubs of dirty dishes, and how to clean up the kitchen before a shift ends.

“Evan is awesome and does a great job!” –Evan’s Supervisor

“Evan is a hard worker who is always willing to learn and grow, and he has come a long way since I started working with him.” –Evan’s Job Coach

What Evan enjoys most about his job is making money and making new friends.

In his own words:

“KAA has helped me become more independent, taught me new skills, and helped me find a job that I can get paid. I like working with people and getting to know them.” –Evan S.

Beyond Work 

Outside of Skyline, Evan is also involved in KAA’s music program, a reminder that a job is one part of a fuller picture that includes friendships, community, and other interests. 

KAA job coaches are there every step of the way, present from the moment a participant arrives at work to the moment they leave; covering hygiene, dress, attitude, task completion, and working through challenges as they come up. 

“Our participants are the best workers and always put a smile on their face.” –Evan’s Employer 

Still Growing 

Nearly two years in, the person who was once learning the job is now the one teaching it. 

Wilson: From Grocery Bagger to the Bulk Department 

Wilson has been at Fresh Market for about a year and a half, and the role he holds now isn’t the one he started with. 

Wilson began as a Grocery Bagger. After a while, he wanted to try something new. His KAA job coach gave him direct advice: work on perfecting the job you have, and communicate that you want more. 

Wilson did exactly that, and his team gave him the opportunity to try stocking candy in plastic containers in the store’s Bulk department. He succeeded, and today he’s a Store Stocker. 

“Wilson is a good worker who’s always on time, gets straight to work, and always asks if there is anything else he can do.” –Wilson’s Supervisor 

What Wilson is most proud of is the move itself, going from Grocery Bagger to the Bulk department. 

In his own words:

“I enjoy working at Fresh Market.” –Wilson 

Earning the Next Step 

Wilson’s job coach gave him a straightforward path: do your current job well and speak up when you want more. Wilson did both, and the Bulk department followed. 

How KAA’s WORK Program Works 

Rachel, Evan, and Wilson each came to KAA at a different point in their journey. There’s no single right starting point, and support evolves as people grow. 

KAA’s WORK Program is a supported employment program for adults with disabilities built around three phases: Explore, Connect, and Thrive. 

• Explore is about discovering options – real work experiences with local employers, alongside instruction in workplace skills and peer support. 

• Connect is about finding the right match – a career discovery process, support through applications and interviews, and encouragement toward self-advocacy. 

• Thrive is about long-term success – on-site job coaching for adults with disabilities, employer collaboration, and ongoing goal setting. 

KAA’s inclusive employment opportunities span a wide range of employer partners, from restaurants like Skyline and LaRosa’s, to retailers like Fresh Market, Kroger, and Nothing Bundt Cakes, to organizations like the Cincinnati Zoo and Paycor. 

Learn More About KAA’s WORK Program 

Whether you’re an adult exploring employment opportunities, a family member looking for support, or an employer interested in inclusive hiring, we’d love to connect. 
Learn more about KAA’s WORK Program →

Want to understand what supported employment actually means?  
Read: What Is “Supported Employment” for Adults with Disabilities? → 

Want to see KAA in action? 
Watch: Building Community and Opportunities →