Job gives Jacob sense of belonging

Four Square Wainui Road “grocery superstar” Jacob Riley is enjoying his new job after finishing at Sonrise Christian School last year. He has become such a valuable staff member that owner/operator Sam Wanklyn says that when Jacob is ready, he will move from part-time to full-time. Picture by Liam Clayton

When 18-year-old Jacob Riley told his CCS Disability Action community support coordinator that he wanted to work in a grocery store stocking shelves, it set the ball rolling.

Today Jacob is living that dream.

He  works part-time at Four Square Wainui Road and is highly valued by owner/operator Sam Wanklyn.

“In the past we have typically supported local organisations. However, we thought we would try something different with the idea of making a difference to an individual in the long term,” Sam said.

CCS Disability Action Tairāwhiti coordinator Natasha Moke says Jacob is on the autism spectrum.

“But this diagnosis doesn’t define who Jacob is. He is employable and given the chance and guidance, he will be successful.”

Jacob attended Sonrise Christian School and was nearing the end of his schooling years in 2023.

His teacher aide, Cherrylaine Carroll, had just taken over from Matua Walton, who had been “a strong role model” for Jacob during the previous seven years.

A plan was devised to initially find him part-time work experience.

Sam was approached  and agreed to employ him, saying he believed “everyone should be given a fair chance and opportunity to work”.

That decision has paid off for the busy store.

“We were blown away by his friendly demeanour, work ethic and ability to pick things up quickly,” Sam said.

“He was nervous at first,” Cherrylaine said. “But once he met staff and the learning began, Jacob quickly gained momentum and he was super-excited to attend every Tuesday and Thursday.”

Working on the shop floor alongside staff and being part of the Four Square whānau gave Jacob a sense of belonging.

Being able to contribute to the community as a working individual has been important to Jacob, who describes his job as “fun”.

“Stacking chips is my favourite because it’s easy,” he said.

Cherrylaine also has retail experience and was able to help Jacob during the first six weeks.

“It didn’t take long for Jacob to start telling me what to do,” she recalls.

Satisfied with his new-found confidence and sense of ability, she was able to leave him in the capable hands of floor supervisor Maggie.

When his work experience came to an end, he welcomed the offer of a part-time paid position.

“We felt that Jacob had more than earned his way into his first job,” Sam said. “As a result, we decided to create a new role for him.

“My prediction is that when Jacob is ready, then he’ll be good to go for full-time employment five days a week.”

Jacob is one of Sonrise’s success stories and all who know him are proud of his achievements.

The school expressed its gratitude to the community support team at CCS for their efforts in promoting the positive of employing people.

“Jacob has had struggles in his learning over the years that many of us don’t understand,” Cherrylaine said.

“Over this period Jacob has shown determination, resilience and confidence as to what he wants to achieve, then he thoughtfully and carefully goes for it.”

Jacob says it is good to have a pay packet which enables him to buy gifts, and he “hopes to do well” in the future.

“He’s an example of a really committed and hard-working young man,” Sam said.