Sonny's Supermarket in West Point wins employer of the year from Iowa Association of People Supporting Employment First.

Nov. 8--WEST POINT -- Sonny's Supermarket this past week was named Employer of the Year by the Iowa Association of People Supporting Employment First.

"Employment is important for everyone. It is part of our day to day life. People with disabilities are no different," said Eva Castillo, director of Employment Services for Hope Haven.

Deina Marshbrock, who owns Sonny's in West Point, said they didn't hire Sarah to get an award. They just hired Sarah because it was the right thing to do.

Sarah Schiebrok, of West Point, the employee for whom Sonny's got the award, began her journey to employment right after she graduated from Fort Madison High School. She worked with Vocational Rehabilitation, a federally funded program to help those with disabilities obtain employment, and was eventually hired on at Sonny's to work two days a week.

While at work, Schierbrock cleans carts and welcomes customers into the store. She also sanitizes and stocks store shelves. It's a job which she greatly enjoys.

"You want to make sure the shelves look as full as possible," she said of her job.

Schierbrock also works with a job coach to help her meet expectations.

Sonny's was not the only employer recognized as Employer of the Year for IAPSE. Carroll Area Child Care was also recognized. Last year, Chase Gibbs, owner of several restaurants throughout southeast Iowa including The Buffalo, was recognized as employer of the year.

Also this year Greg Oriano was awarded the personal achievement for his 31 years of employment at McDonalds. On Oct. 20, Greg was presented with his Personal Achievement award and McDonald's had a small retirement party for him with cake.

Greg was excited to be back in the dining room because he hadn't been there since pre-COVID.

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