"It meant a lot to me:" Save-A-Lot stores get empowered after boy with autism changes their ways
Save-A-Lot stores get empowered after boy with autism changes their ways
Save-A-Lot stores get empowered after boy with autism changes their ways
MILWAUKEE -- A boy with autism says he felt violated and humiliated after being treated poorly at a local food store. His mother helped turn his trauma into empowerment and the store, as a whole, will now undergo an overhaul of training.
Clad in shirts with puzzle pieces, community members gathered at the Save-A-Lot to support 13-year-old Deontay Farr, who has autism. They are celebrating change that he helped spark.
"It was truly embarrassing," said Deon Farr, mother.
The embarrassing situation started with an encounter the mother and son had with a security guard on a prior visit to the Save-A-Lot Grocery Store located at 6201 N. Teutonia Avenue on Milwaukee's northwest side.
"He blocked the door and said, 'Ya'll can't leave out of here until I see what's under your shirt.' My son was saying, 'Ma, I don't want him to see my bag, it's full.' He has a colostomy bag from Crohn's Disease," said Farr.
The manager got involved and eventually the mother and son reluctantly complied -- revealing the only thing under Deontay's shirt was the medical bag.
Enraged by this behavior, Deon wrote letters to the store management but got nowhere. She then went to Facebook and the community rallied.
The store owner was made aware and immediately flew to meet the family.
"I felt really bad about that. I apologized to him personally, he shook my hand and said that we would pray for each other -- it meant a lot to me," said Dave Hoalt, Save-A-Lot Owner.
Dave Hoalt took responsibility, says he understands the struggles of dealing with autism and made amends, supporting Farr's nonprofit.
"I am presenting Deon with a check for $5,000 from my company," said Hoalt.
The family, also thankful for a bigger opportunity.
"Talked about some things we can do; training for our people, selling shirts on tables in the front, also hand out information educating people on autism," said Hoalt.
State leaders presented the Farr family with a proclamation declaring October 23rd Deontay's Day. But Deontay's resilience will help so many others when it comes to education and awareness.
The diversity training will take place not just at the Save-A-Lot on Teutonia -- but at all Save-A-Lot chains.