Opening doors: Jordan's journey at Joe Fresh

When Jordan O’Neal joined Joe Fresh^® as a Co-op Sales Associate in Toronto, Ont., it wasn’t just the start of a new job, it was the beginning of a transformative journey. For Jordan, and for many others, this opportunity was made possible by the enterprise ABLE pillar, one of Loblaw's employee resource group dedicated to creating a supportive and accessible workplace for individuals with disabilities. 

This year, ABLE partnered with Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital(Open in a new tab), a community leader in supporting youth with disabilities, to connect young jobseekers with meaningful roles at Loblaw. Holland Bloorview’s Youth Employment Pathways program offers hands-on work experience, skills training, and a bridge over the barriers many young people face in starting their careers. 

Since the partnership began earlier this year, six youth have joined our teams at Shoppers Drug Mart^®, Joe Fresh, and Loblaws^®. Jordan is one of them. 

Just one month into his role, Jordan’s manager, Lisa Morris, was already seeing his impact. 

“We’re really seeing Jordan’s strengths and how they contribute to our team. He’s capable and friendly,” she says. 

Jordan’s success is supported in part by a dedicated job coach from Holland Bloorview, who works alongside him to guide his learning, build his confidence, and ensure he feels ready for every task. This one-on-one, structured approach has helped Jordan master both the technical skills and the interpersonal side of his role.  

Before joining the program, Jordan faced the same challenges many jobseekers with disabilities encounter: uncertainty, navigating workplace communication, and adjusting to a new environment. But with the right support, those challenges became stepping stones.  

His journey is proof of a simple truth: when companies invest in accessibility, training, and inclusion, they gain more than employees, they gain team members who bring unique strengths, perspectives, and value to the workplace. 

At Loblaw, our commitment goes beyond hiring. Through our Community Investment Grants, we are proud to contribute $200,000 over four years to Holland Bloorview’s Youth Employment Pathways program, helping to provide skills training, work experience, and advocacy that empower youth with disabilities to thrive into adulthood. 

Jordan’s story is just one example of how inclusion changes lives. By creating workplaces where everyone has the tools to succeed, we’re not only building stronger teams; we’re building a better, more equitable future for all.