BEN’S STORY
Finding fulfilling employment through United Way’s Career Transition Project
“I wish I had 25 workers like Ben.”
– Dustin Koeser, manager, FedEx Ground Distribution Center, Hunker, Westmoreland County
Until about a year ago, Ben Hixson, 29, of Greensburg never dreamed that he would be working a fast-paced job at FedEx Ground, earning a competitive salary, and happily getting up at 3 a.m. to start his day.
That’s because Hixson, who is on the autism spectrum, had not yet heard about United Way’s Career Transition Project, which helps employers recruit and support qualified employees with disabilities.
The invitation to apply for a job at FedEx Ground in early 2017 transformed Hixson’s life.
After graduating from high school eight years ago, Hixson had limited opportunities for employment. He collated papers in a sheltered workshop for people with disabilities and also did some greenhouse, landscaping and janitorial work. Hixson wasn’t unhappy with the work he did, but the agency’s supervisors recognized that he was capable of much more. He was always the best worker with any task he was given.
So when Christine Weber from United Way’s Career Transition Project called the agency to ask if they knew anyone who might be right for a package handling job at FedEx Ground in Greensburg, Hixson was at the top of the list.
He now works the morning shift five days per week at the company’s distribution center. His FedEx Ground managers praise his outstanding work ethic and job performance. Even the employees of contracted service providers who drive the delivery vans that Ben helps to load show their appreciation for his work, when they invite him to join them for donuts.
“Everyone treats me with respect,” Hixson said.
“Ben’s sense of self-esteem has grown substantially since he started at FedEx,” his mother, Terry Hixson, said. “People depend on him to a much greater degree than ever before.”
“It’s been an amazing opportunity and the best thing that’s ever happened to him,” she added.
To learn more about United Way’s 21 & Able initiative, visit https://uwswpa.org/who-you-help/people-with-disabilities/.
