Darke DD Series – What’s Your Story: Tom Borchers

Walmart Employee Tom Borchers

(Greenville, Ohio) – The Darke County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Darke DD) recognized March as Developmental Disability Awareness month and this year’s theme was “What’s your story?” However, disability awareness doesn’t end when April begins. Darke DD will continue periodically highlighting the stories of people we serve – people who are active members of their community, people who work and provide for their families, people who are just like you and I in many ways. Everyone has a story, this is Tom’s...

Tom Borchers grew up in the Versailles area and has lived there all of his life. He graduated from Piqua CTC in 2007, which helped to prepare him for employment. In 2009, while attending Wayne Industries, Tom began his journey in seeking integrated employment. In order to assist him with obtaining a job and learning the skills necessary to maintain employment Tom incorporated the help of a job developer and a job coach. Both of these services were provided by Capabilities Inc. and funded through the Opportunities for Ohioans with disabilities.

Although it took him two years of filling out applications and following up with businesses, Tom began his first job at Greenville Walmart in 2011. This job has been a fit for him as five years later he is still employed at Walmart and still enjoying his job. Some of his job duties include manning the cart mule, unloading semi- trucks, stocking shelves, and assisting customers with carrying out and loading large purchases in their vehicles. Tom averages 25 to 30 hours a week however; he is often called in when others have called off. Tom has also assisted in training new employees in learning their job duties and this is a testament to his skills and abilities. When asked what he likes most about working at Walmart Tom said “I have a great team of co-workers and supervisors that I enjoy working with.” He contributes his work ethics to his parents Steve & Lillian Borchers who always ensured that he put in his fair share of duties at home.

When Tom is not at work or with his family you may find him attending and helping at St. Denis Catholic Church in Versailles or volunteering with the Knights of Columbus. He has been a member of the K of C for three years and looks forward to volunteering at the annual Pancake Breakfast and other events throughout the year.

For more information on employment supports and community integration opportunities coordinated through Darke DD, please contact Rodney Willis, Community First Director at 459-4626 or rodneyw@darkedd.org. For more information on the Darke County Board of Developmental Disabilities visit our website at www.darkedd.org. Like us on Facebook – Darke County Board of Developmental Disabilities.