We’re thrilled to share an exciting milestone in Michael’s journey: he has officially completed his Community Based Assessment (CBA) at Foster Thrift—and the experience has been a positive one for everyone involved.
From day one, Foster Thrift’s manager, Leah, and her incredible team welcomed Michael with open arms. Whether assisting with retail tasks or learning the day-to-day flow of the store, Michael had the chance to explore his skills in a real-world setting while feeling supported every step of the way.
As a local non-profit just down the street from Columbia Ability Alliance, Foster Thrift isn’t just a partner—they’re neighbors and allies in our shared mission of empowering individuals and strengthening community connections. Their team has been wonderfully supportive of our Employment Services, and we’re so grateful for their ongoing collaboration and kindness.
How Our Employment Specialists Support Clients Like Michael
Behind every success story is one of our dedicated Employment Specialists—professionals who walk alongside clients as they prepare for, explore, and transition into meaningful employment.
For clients like Michael, an Employment Specialist plays several key roles during a CBA:
- Coordinating with local businesses to set up supportive work experiences
- Providing on-site coaching and encouragement to help build skills and confidence
- Observing and assessing strengths, challenges, and workplace fit
- Helping create next steps toward long-term job placement or additional training
Employment Specialists make sure clients feel seen, heard, and equipped—not only during the assessment, but also as they move toward sustainable employment.
Michael’s time at Foster Thrift has been a fantastic opportunity to gain real experience in a retail environment, all while being surrounded by people who believe in him. We’re proud of his progress and incredibly thankful to Foster Thrift for being such a welcoming and mission-aligned partner.
We look forward to seeing where Michael’s path leads next—and we’re cheering him on every step of the way!
