People supported by Rise want rewarding, long-term jobs they are excited to work at each day. Kaleem Pemberton, 30, has found a fulfilling job working four days a week as a Walmart Associate in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.

Kaleem was referred to Rise’s services after high school through a work transition program. Soon after, he started his first ever job at a neighboring Walmart in Brooklyn Center. Here he gained customer service skills and developed friendships with many of his coworkers . When that store closed a few years ago, he had to decide whether to start over at a new job or join a long list of fellow Associates trying to transfer to a limited number of open positions at the Brooklyn Park Walmart location.

Kaleem loved his job and did not want to give up his passion for helping people. With the support of his Rise Employment Consultant Sue Featherly, Kaleem stood in line at the Brooklyn Park store hoping to be chosen to transfer. Because of his great reputation, the hiring manager had already heard of Kaleem and moved him to the front of the line as one of the first to get started working at the new location.

In July, Kaleem celebrated nine years at Walmart! His primary responsibility is to make sure items in the produce section that are running low are promptly restocked. Weekends are the busiest shifts, and he relies on the skills he has learned throughout his many years at Walmart to make them go smoothly. These skills include organization, attention to detail, and teamwork. He has also learned how to use new tools like an electronic scanner and a pallet jack.

For support, Kaleem and Employment Consultant Sue check in several times a month to see how work is going, make sure his schedule and transportation are set, and navigate tougher conversations with managers when he has to advocate for his needs. She says, “We text often. He is great about checking in with me.” Sue is always there to support Kaleem, but at work, he shows a lot of independence. With so much experience and confidence built, Kaleem can perform his job excellently on his own.

Kaleem’s favorite part of his job is interacting with the customers. “I love answering their questions. I’m a people person, I like talking with people.” If Kaleem is not working in produce, he is occasionally relied on to support in the meat department. No matter what department he is working in, “He is very friendly and approachable, people want to interact with him,” says Sue.

With a smile on her face, Sue brags, “Everyone loves Kaleem at work. He always arrives with a cheerful attitude. His coworkers know that he is dependable and a hard worker.” After transferring to the Brooklyn Park location, “Some of my friends came here too,” says Kaleem. He has found more than a job and valuable skills at Walmart. He’s also found a community of friends who bring him joy.

Sue is not the only person to notice Kaleem’s talents in the workplace. Walmart Team Lead Jose has worked with Kaleem for years and was thrilled when Kaleem was brought on at Brooklyn Park. “He’s a hard worker and a very good team player. He always jumps in to help anyone,” says Jose. Kaleem has trust in Jose, bringing forward workplace questions or even the occasional difficult customer interaction.

Looking toward the future, Kaleem plans to continue working at Walmart. He currently lives with his mother but one of his goals is to someday move into his own place and establish independence just like he has done at his job. In his free time, Kaleem enjoys going to the gym, where his favorite exercise is the bench press. He also enjoys playing video games such as Red Dead Redemption.