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Scott Walker, Governor
Raymond Allen, Secretary

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, August 6, 2018
CONTACT: DWD Communications, 608-266-2722
On the Web: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/news/
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WIWorkforce
On Twitter: @WIWorkforce

DWD Recognizes Walgreens for Commitment to Training Individuals with Disabilities

Eight graduates of Walgreens REDI program honored in Janesville

JANESVILLE – Today, Department of Workforce Development (DWD) BJ Dernbach joined officials from Walgreens at the Rock County Job Center in Janesville to recognize eight Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) consumers who graduated from the Retail Employees with Disabilities program (REDI). The REDI program started in Milwaukee, WI at 4 area Walgreens stores in 2012 as a partnership with DWD's DVR to help train and place individuals with disabilities in Walgreens or similar retail establishments in permanent employment. The program was eventually expanded statewide.

"Today's recognition underscores the importance of the role of strong employer partners, like Walgreens, when providing opportunities to individuals with disabilities that allow them to demonstrate their many talents and skills," Assistant Deputy Secretary Dernbach said. "These eight individuals graduate the REDI program with employment skills that they will carry with them on their lifelong journey of independence and employment success."

In 2016, Walgreens took over responsibility of the program and now operates the program independent of DWD and has expanded the program nationwide. DWD's DVR continues to partner with Walgreens in placing DVR consumers in the REDI training program.

A 3-4-week training program, Walgreens provides in-store training which provides individuals with the primary competencies and skills that provides them with an opportunity to land a position as a Walgreens Customer Service Associate. Training includes soft-skills training, how to unload trucks, stock shelves, run a cash register and more.

According to the Walgreen's website, since the program launched over 1,300 individuals with disabilities have graduated from the program nationwide.

More information on Walgreens' REDI program

More information on the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation