07/29/2026
Thank you PLB for sharing Jimmy's story. It should also be said that Jimmy's time here at Heartland Industries was made possible in part because of the tremendous program and financial support provided by the PLB to organizations in St. Louis County who provide services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I'm not sure we could provide the safe, meaningful, and dignified employment that we do without your assistance. Cheers to the PLB!
Meaningful employment can be life-changing when people have the right opportunities and support. Jimmy's story is a great example of what's possible.
Before finding his place at Heartland Industries Inc., Jimmy made several attempts at working in supported employment settings. Once he found the right fit, he flourished. Over 13 years, Jimmy developed a wide range of vocational skills, including labeling, sorting, packaging, assembling, collating, boxing, and safely operating workplace equipment. Along the way, he strengthened his independence, built confidence, and learned to work as part of a team.
As Jimmy's mom shared in a letter to Heartland's staff, "Your patience and commitment helped him build self-assurance and self-respect and learning to work with others."
Jimmy and his family are beginning a new chapter as they move across the country. While he'll miss his coworkers and the staff who supported him along the way, he's taking with him years of experience and the skills he's worked hard to develop. Once he's settled into his new home, Jimmy hopes to put those skills to work by finding a new job in his community.
This Disability Pride Month, we celebrate Jimmy's accomplishments and the opportunities that help people with disabilities build meaningful careers, greater independence, and the lives they choose.
