Phong Nguyen can't help but smile when recounting the long journey that led him to Envision. Then again, he can't help but smile! It is a quality that others - especially his coworkers - appreciate.
"Everybody loves Phong," proclaims Clay Sipes, Machine Operator. "He is like the little brother I never had. He is an inspiration and a breath of fresh air because of his enthusiasm and energy."
Phong and his family moved to the United States from Vietnam in 2006, settling in California. He didn't speak a word of English four years ago, but had the support of his family. Two years later, his desire to be independent led him to the Midwest where he works at Envision’s Kansas City plant.
After losing his vision in 1986 due to measles, the future looked bleak in Phong’s home country. Opportunity is one of the reasons he and his family came to America.
"I had been taking English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in California for two years, and wanted to work and become more independent," Phong explains. "However, I didn’t know if that was possible because in Vietnam, there are very few opportunities for people who are blind."
Phong was extremely limited in what he could do to make a living in his home country.
"In Vietnam, I'd only be able to sell lottery tickets or make brooms. And that would be my job forever because that was it - there were no other options," he says. "Now I have a job and can earn money."
He discovered Envision through an online internet search using Google. "I didn't know if there would be anything for someone who is blind. But I found Envision, called Glenn Coy [Kansas City Plant Manager], and here I am."
Envision engages in strategic education and outreach using Google Ad Words to attract employees like Phong.
"I don't know where I would be if I hadn't found Envision," Phong concedes. "I thought it would be a lot harder for someone who is blind to get a job."
After receiving the job offer for the position of Bag Picker, Phong packed up his few belongings and moved again. This time, however, he was totally on his own with no family to help him.
"I still have a hard time sometimes communicating - especially if going to the doctor or riding the bus," he admits, "but I have no regrets. This is a great city to save money, and I like my friends at Envision."
Phong hasn't seen his family since moving to Kansas City, but communicates with them by phone or email.
"I miss them, but I am earning a living. I hope to save enough to start my own business or move up at Envision," he says. "Opportunity: that is what it is all about."