Mike Kinger, general manager of a Lowe’s Regional Distribution Center, has a son with autism. For the parent of a child with a cognitive or physical disability, wondering what career paths might be accessible to him can be a painful to consider—Americans with a disability are 43 percent less likely to find full- or part-time employment than persons without a disability (2004 National Organization on Disability/Harris Survey of Americans with Disabilities). For Mike, that answer was not acceptable.
Diversity and inclusion are part of Lowe’s core values. Mike and Lowe’s leadership share a vision of a workplace that encourages all employees to use their talents to succeed. Together they brought this vision to life at Lowe’s Pittston, Pennsylvania distribution center. This facility opened in January 2009, and through partnerships with state and local organizations, schools and service providers, Lowe’s was able to implement a successful workforce outreach program for employees with cognitive or physical challenges.
The benefits for Lowe’s stretch beyond the walls of the distribution center where the team atmosphere values every individual’s contributions and abilities and makes it a place people want to work. Employees know they are making a positive impact.
For the community, it means new opportunities for many people who previously may not have had them. It means a chance for a new career, to provide for a family, to achieve personal independence.
For Lowe’s, it demonstrates the value that diversity brings to a team.