Supported Employment at Avista’s GSE Department
Investing In Purpose:
Avista’s GSE Team Advances Inclusion and Sustainability
By Aleu Aleu, GSC Floor Supervisor
At The Arc of Spokane, we believe that every person deserves the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their community. Through our Supported Employment Program, individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are doing just that—bringing skill, dedication, and purpose to their work at Avista’s GSE department.
Each day, employees in the GSE department carefully disassemble retired equipment such as refrigerators, streetlights, phones, and green motherboards. These items, once owned or manufactured by Avista, are broken down, purified, and cataloged for recycling. This process not only supports environmental sustainability but also generates internal revenue for the company.
“Inclusive employment is not only possible, it’s powerful.”
Each day, employees in the GSE department carefully disassemble retired equipment such as refrigerators, streetlights, phones, and green motherboards. These items, once owned or manufactured by Avista, are broken down, purified, and cataloged for recycling. This process not only supports environmental sustainability but also generates internal revenue for the company.
But the impact goes far beyond recycling. For the individuals employed through The Arc’s Supported Employment Program, this work offers a sense of pride, independence, and belonging. It’s a place where people are recognized for their abilities, not defined by their disabilities.
James Cooper is a shining example of this commitment. For over 33 years, James has worked in the GSE department, becoming a respected expert in investment recovery. His dedication to reducing, reusing, and recycling has made a lasting impact—not just on Avista’s operations, but on everyone who has had the privilege of working alongside him.
James’s story reflects the heart of The Arc’s mission: promoting independence, choice, and quality of life for people with developmental disabilities. His work, and the work of his peers, proves that inclusive employment is not only possible—it’s powerful.
The Arc of Spokane is proud to partner with Avista in creating workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we’re building a more inclusive community—one recycled part at a time.
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