TURNING CHALLENGES INTO SWEET SUCCESS
Tasia Finds Fulfillment at Edible Arrangements:
The retail center of Homewood, includes a solid brick building outfitted with a cheerful red-lettered sign: Edible Arrangements. The massive windows reveal artful light fixtures, a spacious counter, and glistening fruit creations. One step through the entrance confirms that the welcoming atmosphere isn’t just visual. Behind the kitchen door, friendly team members decked in hairnets and disposable gloves fulfill each order.
Among them is Tasia, a pleasant and industrious woman who began her search for employment through Sertoma Star Services’ vocational rehabilitation program. She started her training in February and now washes and slices fruit before dipping it in smooth, liquid chocolate—following strict food safety standards while creating elegant bouquets. On the surface, these tasks may not seem life-changing, but for Tasia, the job is exactly that.
“It’s not about the money. I like getting out, working, and meeting different people. They’re all nice,” she shares.
Her favorite part of the job is forming positive connections with coworkers and customers. She also enjoys learning new skills and performing her duties to the highest standard. According to a 2023 report from the Pew Research Center, 51% of American adults are “extremely or very satisfied” with their jobs—Tasia is a proud example of that group.
“When I’m not at Edible Arrangements, I can’t wait to be there,” she affirms.
Noreen, who has owned and operated the store since July 2007, can vouch for her employee’s enthusiasm and adaptability. Over the past seven months, Noreen has introduced Tasia to several different stations around the kitchen, moving from fruit bouquets to cookies and platters.
“She’s a pretty good learner,” Noreen says.
As an employer who has partnered with Sertoma Star Services before, Noreen understands the value of hiring through vocational rehabilitation programs. Participants are invested in long-term success, and she looks for dedication, intelligence, and teachability rather than focusing on physical or mental limitations.
“Everybody should be allowed to work,” Noreen emphasizes. “I focus on hiring people–like Tasia and the young woman with autism I employed for 10 years–who are good workers.”
On a typical day, Tasia and Noreen can be found in the Homewood shop, providing eye-catching desserts at a reasonable price. Together, they represent the fulfillment that comes from meaningful employment—and the quiet success stories that happen when barriers are replaced with opportunity and open-mindedness. That knowledge makes their chocolate-dipped strawberries seem all the sweeter.
