We’re thrilled to shine a light on Ren, a recent graduate of our employment training program who has stepped into a brand-new role as a Warehouse Associate here at Ground Up!

Graduating from the program was a milestone moment: “It’s the first certificate I’ve ever gotten,” she told us. “It felt like the high school graduation I never had.” Now in her new role in the warehouse, Ren is thriving with more independence, learning entirely new skills and continuing to shine here at Ground Up!

Read on to hear more in Claudia's (our Job Coach) interview with Ren about her transformation, her favorite nut butter flavor, and why she believes you're getting way more than your money’s worth when you support Ground Up.

C: Before we get started, congrats on graduating! Can you share how long you were in the program for? And how it feels to graduate from the training program and move into a permanent position? 

R: I was so happy and bashful. People gave me compliments. I never graduated from high school. First certificate I’ve ever gotten. It’s a certificate with my name and something I completed. Like the high school graduation I never had. It makes me want to work harder. I am committed to this place and willing to do my best. Anyone who is treated with respect and kindness should be ready to do their best.

I am really excited about this Warehouse Associate role. More independent, smaller group. It’s a little more independent. I really shine doing more things on my own. Learning time management. I like the open space. I might be helping with spreadsheets. Something totally different and learning a total skillset that will be useful when I move onto something else. Really cool to work on both sides.

C: What has your experience at Ground Up been like? (How has it helped your self-confidence?)

R: First job I’ve ever really had. Environment was really supportive. I would make simple mistakes and beat myself up. No one was ever hard on me. Letting me know it’s okay to make mistakes. I don’t think I would have made it anywhere else without an employment history, no training, no high school diploma. This changed my life so much, so nice to know I can do it. I was raised being told you’ll never be independent and you’ll be taken care of for the rest of your life. Ground Up has given me so much more credit than I’ve ever been given for the rest of my life…I would have thought I was a failure if it weren’t for the kindness and gentleness here in this place.

C: What is one new skill you gained or thing that you learned about yourself through this experience?

R: Biggest skill - how to appropriately interact with co-workers. Practicing boundaries. Being a good co-worker, being considerate. I wasn’t around other people to have practice interacting with other people.

I was in constant conflict before and protecting myself and learning. Having to adapt to a new environment, after learned behavior over the years with my past. It translates into my social life. I can say no, I don’t need to share my phone number… setting boundaries. Practicing the skills outside of work. Not just volunteering to do everything.

C: What is the community at Ground Up like? What does having this community mean to you?

R: Really supportive, friends I’ve made here. Cool being able to work friends!

C: What are you most proud of?

R: How much I’ve grown and changed. How much I’ve been able to contribute. It makes you feel good when you’re doing something that’s bigger than yourself and working with a  team

C: What would you say to customers?

R: You’re getting way more than your money’s worth. You’re helping so many people like me that maybe wouldn’t have succeeded with something like this and you’re getting are really good product.

C: What is your favorite Ground Up nut butter flavor + favorite way to eat it?

R: Churro on bananas