Terry Newman's developmental disability made it hard for him to find a job in Nanaimo, the city nestled on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, despite his best efforts. But thanks to a community employment program, Newman was able to find work at the Extreme Pita franchise location on Bowen Road.
The employment program, administrated by the Nanaimo Association for Community Living, aims to remove barriers that people like Newman, who have developmental disabilities, face when trying to find jobs in the community. Newman was connected to the Extreme Pita franchise when the location owner, Doug Carroll, met NACL employment program specialist Debbie Hastings at a meeting of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce.
According to Carroll, Newman is right for the Extreme Pita franchise and is doing a good job. The owner has no regrets about hiring Newman a year and half ago and participating in the NACL employment program.
Newman, who does a variety of tasks in the eatery, including dishwashing and cleaning tables, echoed this sentiment and expressed gratitude for the chance to earn a living and be productive outside of his home. He enjoys his job and has fun doing it, and stated he feels he would have been stuck at home all day, watching movies, if Carroll hadn't given him this earning opportunity.
NACL's employment co-coordinator Barb Barry spoke about the program's mechanisms and overall goals in a bit more detail. Barry said the association tries to identify each client's particular skill set, using the information to pair the client with a business that could use their help. With the right connections, people with developmental disabilities and the local businesses that hire them can both benefit, with NACL working to bridge the gap between the two.
About Extreme Pita Franchise
Founded in 1997 by Alex and Mark Rechichi, Extreme Pita is based in Mississauga, Ontario but has over 235 locations in North America. The chain offers a variety of products, such as pizzas, wraps and chips that feature their namesake bread staple and fresh ingredients. Other products range from cookies to salads. Franchisees are given full access to Extreme Pita's marketing, Internet and real estate leasing systems, while initial training and ongoing support is available, including a toll-free telephone assistance line.
Part of Extreme Pita's company vision is community involvement, as demonstrated in the case of Terry Newman, and each year locations fund raise for the Heart and Stroke Foundation on National Pita Day. According to Extreme Pita, the foundations goals of eliminating stroke and heart disease are in line with the franchise's dedication to providing healthier food options for people on the go.
Extreme Pita franchise is currently looking to continue its expansion, eying new locations around the globe and within its base country of Canada. Priority areas include Hamilton, Toronto, Huntsville, Port Perry, St. Catharine’s, Waterloo, Quebec City, Sherbrooke and Mirabel. Franchisees can expect support, proven marketing campaigns and the advantages of becoming part of an established brand.
Visit BetheBoss.ca for more information about the Extreme Pita franchise opportunity today!
