Lifted and Loaded

By Melanie Mowry Etters

Sean Canning is happy to do the heavy lifting at the Home Depot in Pace. Canning works as a loader assisting shoppers who need assistance putting bulky items in their cars. He also works as a store associate greeting people entering the store, keeping the vending machine stocked, and helping the store stay tidy.

Canning excels at working in a team environment. Since being employed at Home Depot, Canning has received an award for recognizing a safety hazard in the building. He regularly receives praises from co-workers.

Supervisor Lynda Mistrot said, “Sean has a great attitude. He likes to volunteer for extra jobs. Our customers like Sean because he is very attentive to their needs.”

Canning works in the evenings and weekends because he is enrolled in the PALS Program at Pensacola State College. The PALS Program is a two-year post-secondary program for people with developmental disabilities that provides students with the opportunity to go to college, learn new skills, explore careers, prepare for employment, and ultimately gain more independence. These skills also help individuals become more successful in the workplace.

For Canning, having a job is putting him on the road to self-sufficiency. “I want to work so I can pay for my own stuff. It also shows that I can live on my own,” said Canning. He currently lives with his brother in Milton; however, he is saving his money to have his own apartment in the future.

Canning has a disability and receives assistance from the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD).

Mistrot said, “Sean works hard. He is always available to help cover a needed shift in the evening. He is friendly and helpful with our customers, which is what we want from our employees.”

Sean Canning returning to the store after loading up a customer’s car with their Home Depot purchases.