Founded in 2010, Good Foot Delivery is a Toronto-based (shoutout to Knix HQ!) organization that provides meaningful employment opportunities to those within the neuro-diverse community. At the heart of their mission is professional, same-day courier services in and around the city.
In the face of the barriers many neuro-diverse people experience finding job security, Good Foot empowers its couriers with the support and tools they need to succeed — both at work and within the community at large.
Knix has been working with Good Foot for years, and behind the scenes of many of our local deliveries is a hard-working Good Foot Courier.
We recently caught up with Heather, a Good Foot Courier and Trainer, who gave us the scoop on what it’s like to work at the organization, as well as, Ada, the company’s Business Operations Manager, who shines a light on Good Foot as a community pillar in need of support.
(Heather wearing the Good to Go Crew Neck and Jogger in Celery)
Knix: You have such a cool job! Can you tell us what you love most about working with Good Foot?
Heather: While working at Good Foot, training new Couriers has been the most rewarding experience so far. I have enjoyed seeing them build confidence and come out of their shells, and being able to relate to one another’s experiences of “difference” in a non-judgemental and holistic way. It has also been rewarding to be part of a community that champions and appreciates “difference,” that encourages me to view my experience with compassion and understanding, and that pushes me to challenge my preconceived ideas about my abilities.
K: How is Good Foot different from other places you’ve worked?
H: Good Foot has been different from other places I’ve worked because it strives to empower the neuro-divergent community, rather than simply looking good on paper. Statistically, Autistic people are massively under-employed, and often employers don’t quite know how to approach or work with us in a way that is beneficial to both parties. This can make it daunting to look for work and hold down a job. Because Good Foot works specifically with neuro-divergent people, our needs are met with understanding, which for me personally cuts through the shame of “not measuring up” that I have experienced with other work.
K: What do you wish people knew about the neuro-diverse community?
H: I can only speak to my own experience of neuro-diversity, as no two people are alike and we all have different needs, abilities, hopes, and desires. Mostly I hope that people will leave their assumptions at the door, and be open-minded and kind when approaching us. Kindness will get you far!
(Heather wearing the Good to Go Crew Neck and Jogger in Celery)
K: What led you to start working at Good Foot? What does the Good Foot community mean to you?
Ada: While completing my MBA, I was looking for an opportunity that would allow me to do something positive in the community. I stumbled upon a job posting for Good Foot and immediately knew the organization aligned with everything I was looking for.
The Good Foot community is nothing like I’ve experienced before; it truly is like a second family. It’s a safe space where everyone can be themselves. We celebrate each other's milestones and achievements. The success of one means the success of the entire organization. There is always someone there to lend an ear when you’ve had a bad day or simply need to talk. Mistakes aren’t seen as failures, instead, they are opportunities for improvement. We encourage the growth and development of one another, knowing that everyone is capable of so much.
As a new mom, I often think about the world I want my daughter to grow up in — a world with compassion, where differences are celebrated and inclusivity is the norm. The Good Foot community is just that and so much more!
K: Tell us about the “In, Up, and Out Program.” How does it support employees, especially those within the neuro-diverse community?
A: The I“In, Up, and Out Program” provides participants with meaningful employment, skill development, and workforce exposure. Ultimately, the goal of the program is to provide the neuro-diverse community with paid work experience while building transferable skills that lead to long-term employability.
Participants are taught how to be confidently independent on the job — ready to troubleshoot and adapt to any situation that may arise. Throughout the program, our team provides support, workshops, and job placement assistance so every participant is able to achieve their goals and excel in their role. Through partnerships, we work with local businesses to provide work opportunities that expand learning and skill development through exposure to a variety of opportunities.
(Heather wearing the Good to Go Crew Neck and Jogger in Celery)
K: How can people support Good Foot and its employees?
A: Supporters play a pivotal role in the long-term success of Good Foot Delivery. Because the delivery business is core to our ability to provide employment, gaining new customers is crucial. Individuals and businesses should consider using Good Foot the next time they need something delivered in Toronto. Another way to support Good Foot is through donations which enable us to improve and expand the range of services and support provided to help position the Couriers for success.
Looking to fill your feed with feel-good content? Follow @goodfootdelivery on Instagram.