Spectrum Works: Celebrating successful job placements for autistic individuals at Bergen Logistics

Spectrum Works, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing job training and employment placement services to autistic individuals, is thrilled to announce the successful job placements of two of its talented students at Bergen Logistics. Kiernan, who will assume the role of Receiving Warehouse Associate, and Deon, who will serve as a Cycle Count Warehouse Associate, have both excelled during their internship periods through Spectrum Works’ program and will now join the Bergen Logistics team as valued employees. This accomplishment highlights Spectrum Works’ unique value proposition for its partner companies, which includes fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace while providing a direct pipeline for recruiting new talent that is dedicated, loyal, creative and highly likely to remain in their positions over the long term.

Kiernan and Deon, both hailing from Secaucus, New Jersey, have been interning at Bergen Logistics since October 2022, demonstrating outstanding dedication, work ethic, and growth throughout their internship period. Both students have made remarkable progress and continue to thrive in the supportive and nurturing environment that Bergen Logistics offers alongside the support from Spectrum Works’ on-site job coaches, who are dedicated to making each internship and employment integration process seamless. “This is the greatest day of my life,” said Deon upon hearing the news that he had been offered a position at the company.

“We are incredibly proud of Kiernan and Deon for their exceptional achievements during their internships at Bergen Logistics. Throughout their time with the company, they demonstrated outstanding dedication, perseverance, and talent, which have now led to their successful job placements. This milestone not only signifies their individual accomplishments but also serves as a testament to the immense potential and valuable contributions that autistic individuals can bring to the workforce,” said Ann Marie Sullivan, CEO and Founder of Spectrum Works. “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Bergen Logistics - their partnership with us has been instrumental in creating meaningful employment opportunities for autistic individuals and breaking down barriers that often limit their professional growth. Together, we are actively working towards building a more inclusive workplace environment, where the unique strengths and talents of every individual are recognized and embraced. By celebrating the successes of Kiernan and Deon, we hope to inspire other companies to follow suit and create similar initiatives that prioritize neurodiversity and provide equal employment opportunities for all.”

Bergen Logistics, a renowned global third-party order fulfillment and logistics company, has been a steadfast supporter of Spectrum Works and has proven a commitment to expanding the Spectrum Works program further, aiming to hire more interns into longer-term positions and promote the value of employing autistic individuals to its extensive network of 400 retail customers. Charles Ickes, President and COO, previously collaborated with Spectrum Works during his tenure at Rent the Runway. He witnessed firsthand the positive impact of Spectrum Works' program on autistic individuals, and the overall positive impact on the company as well, which inspired him to spearhead the launch of the Spectrum Works program at Bergen Logistics in 2021. Originally integrated into their operations at their North Bergen facility, the Spectrum Works program expanded its reach to the Rutherford facility in April 2022. The company also actively encourages and promotes education internally to foster a more inclusive workplace environment.

"We have been so happy to participate in the Spectrum Works internship program, and to now be able to provide long-term employment opportunities for these two students who have moved on from their schooling is so rewarding,” said Chief People Officer at Bergen Logistics and Spectrum Works Board Member, Marjorie Ramos. “The students are so excited about this chance to learn and make contributions to our business; it's a reminder about the importance of work and finding meaning and purpose in that work. It can stimulate and motivate one to feel like they are part of a community and that their involvement matters. It will be truly exciting to see them grow here; it's a wonderful experience for everyone involved."

"It is so amazing to have Deon and Kiernan on board with us at Bergen Logistics. Our shared journey has been nothing short of fantastic and filled with opportunities for learning and personal development - on both ends," said Lisett Grau, Inbound Manager at Bergen Logistic. "We are proud to consider Deon and Kiernan part of the Bergen Logistics family. Their addition will undoubtedly contribute to our ongoing success and we all look forward to continuing to grow together."

According to recent statistics, approximately 1 in 36 children in the United States are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and only approximately 15% of autistic adults are employed. Additionally, due to the scarcity of opportunities in supportive work environments, nearly half of 25-year-olds with autism have never held a paying job. Spectrum Works aims to address these challenges by providing job training, and employment support, and raising awareness about the valuable contributions autistic individuals can make in the workforce.

Spectrum Works and Bergen Logistics are proud to be at the forefront of empowering autistic individuals and providing them with the necessary support and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Through their collaboration, these organizations are revolutionizing the way employers perceive and embrace the unique talents and capabilities of autistic individuals.