Even though he is disabled, Young impressed Gates so much that he got a job. “There’s something about him. He touched our hearts,” Gates said.

It’s not the first time he’s hired a disabled worker. Gates has been doing it for about 10 years, working with a number of agencies who help disabled students with career development.

It’s been tough for many people the past few years finding a job, but it can be even harder for people with disabilities. But thanks to various agencies, a number of local disabled folks have been able to find work.

A few success stories spoke at a recent Eagle Wings disAbility Ministries Luncheon, and a few others found jobs since. The goal of the luncheon was to show local businessmen the benefits of hiring disabled employees.

Ajay Caleb, a Rotarian and business analyst, said disabled workers are good for the bottom line for a number of reasons.

“They want to work, they work harder, their performance is better, they come to work, they cost less, they’re safe and careful, and they stay at the job because they don’t want to go,” Caleb said.

Most of the jobs are not full-time; more like 10-20 hours a week. Because retention rates are better, that saves companies money on rehiring and training costs.

He added that Walgreens has hundreds of disabled workers nationwide, their morale is high, they are high performers and their customers like it.

Carrie Morehouse of Work Opportunities said she hoped for about 10 at the luncheon and was ecstatic that there were 40.

“Employers are getting it,” she said. “We have diverse communities that need diverse work environments.”

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring supports hiring disabled workers. He said when he first took office he started hearing from families whose disabled children were excited during school, but that would suddenly come to an end after graduation.

“They’d be in front of the TV and slowly spiraling downward and losing energy,” Nehring said. “It was painful to hear that.”

He said there are a number of organizations that help the disabled, but we “don’t consolidate it well,” he said.

He said he would like the city to hire more disabled workers. “We’re not a large city, but we have big hearts,” he said.

One young man hired recently by the city is Lukas Maki. He works in the parks department under Mike Robinson. He works five days a week, four hours a day at Jennings Memorial Park. He opens the gates each morning and makes sure the restrooms and grounds are clean. If one of the barbecue shelters or the pavilion is being rented that day he cleans those up, too. He drives around the park in a utility vehicle.

“He received some intense training, but is very capable,” Robinson said.

Lynn Haslett of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation works with disabled folks with a variety of abilities. The agency will find a good match, set up a work trial, help supervise and even help pay for a disabled worker for a period of time. Employers can also get tax credits.

Rob Martin of the Rotary Club of Burlington talked about the hiring practices of the Costco there. He said disabled workers can do “parts of jobs really, really well.” As a result, instead of $22 an hour, they can be paid $14 an hour. He said they are not just cart attendants; they also do filing, work in the deli, in janitorial, and shipping and receiving.

“They’ve changed our workplace in a positive way,” Martin said.

Kristian Enge spoke about his job at the event. Enge, 27, works at Safeco Field for the Seattle Mariners. A loyal fan, he said it’s his “dream job.” He works in promotions, handing out hats, wristbands or whatever else is being given away.

Ray Molstad, 22, also was there, with his grandmother Verna Molstad. He works as a lobby attendant at the McDonald’s in North Marysville. “He loves going to work. The transformation is amazing,” his grandma said.

As for Young at Grocery Outlet, Gates said he likes to help disabled workers get their foot in the door. Many will work for him for up to three months just so they can put a job on their resume.

“Everybody wants experience. Somebody’s got to give them a break,” Gates said. “Volunteering opens doors for them.”

Gates added that not everyone wants to work in the grocery business. But he said he’s seen five former employees working elsewhere around town.

Young, 41, has lived in a group home since he was a senior in high school 22 years ago. Gates said Young follows directions well, but what sets him apart is how well he works with customers.

Young wanted to work there because “he likes the place,” Gates said. “It’s faith-based, low-key, with good, positive attitudes.”

Young works three days a week, four hours a day. He bags groceries and does janitorial, stocking and other work.

“Stuff that’s difficult for us to get to,” Gates said, adding Young always shows up early and tries hard.

“Everybody has a disability of some sort,” he added. “We are kind and loving and help them succeed.”

Young also works two days a week, two hours a day, at Rising Star’s Gymnastics. He mostly does janitorial and maintenance work there.

“There is nothing that Matt can’t do,” Dawn Mosteller of Rising Star’s said. “His disability, to us, is not existent.”

She said Young’s the second disabled person the business hired, but “not because they are disabled.” She said Young was hired because they needed help cleaning the place.

“With Matt, I feel he is perfectly capable of doing anything,” she added. “He just needed the chance to prove it, and he has. We are the lucky ones to have found him.”

Young said he enjoys both jobs because he’s treated like family, which is important to him.

“They’re both family owned businesses, and they treat me like part of the family, not hired help,” he said.

Both of his bosses said he is friendly.

“You have to be to work in customer service,” he said.