October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, and we are highlighting how Rotarians and local businesses are creating meaningful jobs for individuals with developmental disabilities through Inclusion Alberta’s Rotary Employment Partnership.

Albertans with developmental disabilities experience an unemployment rate of more than 70%. The Rotary Employment Partnership is creating life-changing job opportunities while providing an untapped labour market to Alberta’s business community. The partnership has created over 725 jobs to date in areas such as food service to administration to labour, and everything in between. Learn more about becoming an inclusive employer.

The Glencoe Club

Jesse joined the team at The Glencoe Club in the summer of 2021 as a Server Assistant in their restaurant. In this role, he supports servers to ensure that club members are receiving exceptional service. Some of his tasks include greeting and directing members, running food, and clearing and setting tables.

After a year in this position, Jesse approached his manager with his desire to become a host. The team supported Jesse to complete host training this summer, and his new role sees him answering phones, taking reservations and take-out orders and seating guests at tables.

Jesse is a familiar face around The Glencoe Club to colleagues and members alike. He values the relationships he has built and enjoys meeting others in a variety of different departments.

“When you are in the business of making people smile and creating exceptional experiences, Jesse is the right fit for the team,” says David Fida, Glencoe’s Restaurant Experience Manager. “Jesse is that smile! His enthusiasm and excitement to be at work not only creates a great experience for the members but he lifts the moral of the entire team as well.”