By building relationships with employer partners, like the Grocery Outlet Bargain Market in Catonsville, MD, Humanim’s Youth Transition Services (YTS) offers students meaningful vocational experiences and pathways to employment. Owned and operated by two brothers, Armando and Joel, the Catonsville Grocery Outlet has consistently opened its doors to students in Humanim’s Work-Based Learning Experience (WBLE) program.
Each Grocery Outlet location is independently owned by community members, allowing local entrepreneurs the freedom to shape their store’s operations and community impact. Armando recalls, “at other grocery stores I worked at, I always wanted to help a program like Humanim’s but was told no every time.” Now, as the leaders of their own store, Armando and Joel pay their community forward by partnering with us to provide internships for local youth with disabilities to get a head start on their vocational journey.
Humanim’s partnership with the Catonsville Grocery Outlet began in 2024 as our YTS Coordinator, Herman, networked with employers in Baltimore County to find new opportunities for students in his caseload. Since then, the Catonsville Grocery Outlet openly welcomes student interns into their team, and even recommends Humanim’s YTS program to owners when new locations open. Humanim’s YTS Director, Quiera, praises the Catonsville Grocery Outlet, sharing “because of their support, our students are now volunteering at all Grocery Outlet Bargain Markets in the area – and a few have even been hired as employees!”
Since partnering with Humanim, the Catonsville Grocery Outlet has been recognized as an advocate for individuals with disabilities in their local area. Armando comments, “the community knows that we’re part of this program and we have a lot of customers that are regulars so they know when the students are working and they also want to help them to be comfortable and happy in their positions.”
Like the customers, Armando and Joel express fulfillment witnessing a student thrive. “A young man worked here for two terms. At first, he was shy and worried after transferring from another location. After we got to know him and his family a bit, he started opening up, engaging with the staff, and showing his personality. He stayed busy, helping in every area of the store. It was amazing to see him flourish and gain confidence,” shares Armando.
Mikayla, a WBLE participant and student at New Town High School, is currently interning at the Grocery Outlet in Catonsville and looks forward to building more work experience with the team as she finishes her senior year and looks towards nursing school.
We’re grateful to Grocery Outlet Bargain Market in Catonsville and other locations for their partnership and commitment to creating accessible opportunities for youth with disabilities. Their support helps our students grow, contribute, and thrive in their career journey.