Whole Foods Market is receiving the Employment Caring Heart Award. Whole Foods Market has eight stores in the Oregon and Southwest Washington region - four in Portland, and one each in Hillsboro, Tigard, Bend, and Vancouver.  These stores contribute 830 jobs to our local economy. Whole Foods Market is a leader in the natural and organic foods industry and is America’s first national certified organic grocer. The Company’s motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet” captures the company’s mission to find success in customer satisfaction, wellness, employee excellence, happiness, community support and environmental improvement. Whole Foods Market stores are committed to their communities, sourcing locally grown and produced products whenever possible.  Since 2008, they have donated more than $60,000 to local charities and nonprofit groups through the community giving programs. Some of the local charities that Whole Foods Market, Mill Plain, has supported over the past year include, Growing Gardens, Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation, Loaves and Fishes, Clara Jean Foundation, One Life, Camas Roots Garden, Clark County Historical Society, Western Rivers Conservancy, Southwest Washington Humane Society and SOLV. Whole Foods Market has been ranked one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine for 12 consecutive years. One employee who whole-heartedly supports this ranking is Innovative Services NW supported employee Eunice Williams. She has worked for Whole Foods for the past two years as a courtesy clerk and is active on the safety team. She loves greeting customers and has recently been given the opportunity to work in the bakery. At Whole Foods, Eunice has enjoyed a steady 20 hours a week of work, despite the economic downturn, has received pay increases and is a valued and appreciated team member. The company’s commitment to working with adults with disabilities doesn’t end with just Eunice. They also serve as a Community Based Assessment Site, allowing for potential employees and employment staff to gain valuable new experiences and opening eyes to the various opportunities in the community. Whole Foods has proven themselves as a company that recognizes abilities over disabilities.