Growth in Action: A Job Coach's Perspective

Josiah (left) and his job coach Blaise (right) at Happy Day Plants.

The success of our participants at Happy Day Plants is truly a team effort, and Blaise, a dedicated job coach for Josiah, plays an important role in that support. Over the past year, Blaise has worked alongside Josiah from his early days volunteering in the shop to his current paid work experience. Throughout that time, he has had a front-row seat to Josiah’s growth, watching his confidence and independence develop in meaningful ways.

Starting Out

When Josiah first joined our program, most of his experience came from a transitions program, with little exposure to a retail work environment. Cars passing by and bright lights could easily distract him, so one of his biggest goals was to stay focused and engaged with the tasks of the day.

“Josiah was green, but open to learning, and coachable,” Blaise recalls. "His willingness to take on any task has been a standout quality during his hands-on training." Blaise emphasizes that the key to Josiah’s success isn’t hovering over him. “The less I do, the better Josiah does. My role is to advocate, support, and provide guidance — letting him take ownership of his work and grow his confidence.”

Small Moments, Big Growth

Through our Grow with Us program, Josiah helps care for our plant installation at Juniper Goods a few blocks away from the shop. When Josiah enters the coffee shop, he interacts with staff members, greeting them and engaging in conversation. He handles tasks independently, without needing prompts. “He’s social, comfortable, and initiating chats,” Blaise notes. “It’s surprising because he doesn’t always show that level of interaction at Happy Day Plants when focused on tasks, so it's great practice for him when we are out in the community."

Why Blaise Loves This Work

Blaise began working with the IDD community in 2018, first at a day program and then moving into job coaching about a year later. Each week, he works with roughly 15 clients, providing support that ranges from brief check-ins with management to full, hands-on guidance depending on each individual’s needs.

“Happy Day Plants provides participants a warm, safe environment that allows participants like Josiah to learn job skills in their first real job,” Blaise explains, “Everyone is set up to reach their maximum potential here."

“I knew Josiah could learn the job, but I didn’t expect to see him take so much ownership, stay fully engaged, and show such great level of independence," Blaise reflects.

Every success at Happy Day Plants is a team effort — from the participants to the coaches, volunteers, and donors — all working together to create confidence, independence, and real-world experience for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.