BISMARCK – As part of its National Disability Employment Awareness Month observance, the North Dakota Department of Human Services’ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation recognized two businesses for supporting an inclusive workforce by hiring, training and inspiring people with disabilities to excel in the workforce.

The agency and the State Rehabilitation Council presented the 2019 North Dakota State DVR Employer of the Year award to Cash Wise Foods of Minot and the You Make A Difference Award to the Bismarck Larks. Company representatives accepted the awards at a recognition luncheon hosted at the division’s annual training conference in Bismarck.

Cash Wise was selected because store staff regularly work with the division and local disability service providers to hire, train and support individuals with disabilities so they can be successful at work. If the store doesn’t have a perfect job match for an individual’s skills, it lets them meet with different departments to find the best fit and identify specific job duties individuals can perform.

Cash Wise also provides positive and constructive feedback and opportunities to increase individuals’ skills. In addition, the store is accessible to employees and customers with disabilities, featuring accessible restrooms and wide aisles free of barriers restricting movement.

“We are honored to receive the employer of the year award,” said Tanya Andre, Cash Wise Foods’ senior HR generalist, in a news release. “We work closely with each employee to ensure they become successful, independent and a valuable team member of the Cash Wise family. We are so happy with the experience we have had with DVR and their partners and look forward to working with them in the future.”

The Bismarck Larks have collaborated with HIT and DVR to hire transition-age students and other individuals with disabilities who may have little to no work experience. The Larks organization matches employees’ interests and skills with positions to find a good fit, encourages employees to explore different roles while having fun, and works around students’ and families’ summer schedules.