Pittsburgh, PA - Achieva today announced that Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop has signed on as a new employer partner in Achieva’s Integrated Vocational Engagement and Support Team (InVEST) Project - proving that working in a candy shop isn’t just a childhood dream; it can be a meaningful career path.
The InVEST Project is funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and supports people with disabilities in obtaining meaningful jobs in community settings while earning competitive wages.
“Under Governor Josh Shapiro’s leadership, Pennsylvania is committed to ensuring people of all abilities have the opportunity to chart their own course. Partnerships like this show what’s possible when employers recognize the value of an inclusive workforce,” said Ryan Hyde, Executive Director of L&I’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. “Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop and Achieva are creating pathways to meaningful careers while strengthening their communities and local economy. Through InVEST, OVR is proud to support initiatives like this that connect individuals with disabilities to competitive, integrated employment.”
As an employer partner, Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop will create opportunities for people with disabilities to work in a variety of roles across the company’s growing Operations, Support and Distribution Center, supporting order processing and production.
“At Grandpa Joe’s, we believe business growth and community impact can go hand in hand,” said Christopher J. Beers, founder and CEO of Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop. “Our partnership with Achieva allows us to provide meaningful employment opportunities for people with disabilities while also strengthening our operations. As we continue to expand, team members supported through Achieva’s InVEST will assist with order processing, work in our portioning room, and contribute across multiple areas of the business. The collaboration fuels our growth while creating valuable employment opportunities. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”
To date, in the western Pennsylvania region served by Achieva in the InVEST Project, 110 people have enrolled in the InVEST Project, with 33 participants currently employed in competitive, integrated jobs. 11 additional participants have also received wrap-around funding to support employment success, independence, personal growth, and transportation needs. Each participant has access to benefits planning services and support from the PA Family Network.
Grandpa Joe’s joins a growing network of employer partners committed to inclusive hiring, including regional leaders such as Giant Eagle and Sheetz.
InVEST builds on Pennsylvania’s commitment to the Employment First philosophy, which prioritizes competitive, community-based employment as the preferred outcome for working-age people with disabilities. The program addresses longstanding barriers faced by people working in segregated settings and promotes pathways to stable careers, fair wages, and full participation in community life.
“People with disabilities represent a highly capable and largely untapped talent pool for businesses,” said Amber Westwood, Achieva’s associate director of business services. “Employers that invest in inclusive hiring often see benefits that extend well beyond filling open positions – including stronger retention, improved attendance, increased productivity, and positive impacts on workplace culture. Accommodations are often simple and cost-effective, and when businesses create opportunities for people with disabilities, they gain dedicated employees who bring reliability, persistence, and new perspectives to their teams.”
Interested participants or families can learn more and apply at www.achieva.info/invest.
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About Achieva
Achieva supports more than 10,000 Pennsylvanians with disabilities annually through housing, caregiving, employment, and advocacy programs. The organization is dedicated to supporting people with disabilities to lead lives of personal significance in their communities.
About Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop
Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop, founded by Christopher J. Beers, opened its first location in Pittsburgh, PA, in May 2012, and now has 23 locations across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, West Virginia, Minnesota, and Texas. The company also offers national distribution of candy and soda to over 19,000 independent retailers.
Best known for its vast selection of candy, soda, unique gifts and international treats, Grandpa Joe's Candy Shop has received worldwide attention for some of its original products, including Pickle Cotton Candy and Ketchup Soda.
For more information, visit Grandpa Joe's online at www.GrandpaJoes.com or follow on social media.
About the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) provides vocational rehabilitation services to help people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, or maintain employment. OVR provides services to eligible individuals with disabilities directly and through a network of approved vendors. Services are provided on an individualized basis.
For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, please visit the website or follow L&I on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
The contents of this press release were developed under grant H421D220003 from the U.S. Department of Education. The Department does not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described or discussed in this document. The contents of this [insert type of publication] may contain examples of, adaptations of, and links to resources created and maintained by another public or private organization. The Department does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. The content of this [insert type of publication] does not necessarily represent the policy of the Department. This publication is not intended to represent the views or policy of or be an endorsement of any views expressed, or materials provided by any Federal agency (EDGAR 75.620).
Meda Contact:
Marcia Wallander, Vice President of Advancement, Achieva
412-676-7974 | mwallander@achieva.info