Work
Search
Menu
Search

Story and Film: Deaf Workers in Faribault, MN

Capturing the story of how a company discovered a remarkable opportunity when they brought members of the deaf community into their workforce.

Client
Jennie-O Turkey Store
Capabilities
Strategic Narrative, Content Creation

When our team heard the story of Abdullahi Moallin and the rest of the folks at a Jennie-O production facility in Faribault, Minnesota we knew their story needed to be told.

Jennie-O® Turkey Store in Faribault, MN, created a unique opportunity by hiring deaf and hard-of-hearing workers, starting with Abdullahi Moallin, a Somali immigrant. The plant adapted its communication methods with tools like interpreters and video conferencing, fostering an inclusive environment. Moallin’s success encouraged others from the deaf community to join, and now nearly a third of the plant’s employees are deaf. This cooperation has led to higher worker retention, enhanced team dynamics, and new ways of leveraging employees’ perceptual strengths.

Read the Full Story

So many of the hearing employees use some sign language that if you were just watching the factory floor you wouldn’t be able to tell who was deaf and who wasn’t.

Jody Long

Plant Manager

Through a number of interviews we got to know Abdullahi, his family, and the team over at the Faribault production facility well. Thanks to that hard work and willingness to share, their story was told in this award-winning short film and a written profile.

Awards

  • Best in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
    2021 PR Week: Brand Film Awards

    Most effective in highlighting DE&I issues and/or impacting society at large

  • Finalist
    2021 PR Week: Brand Film Awards

    Best film on a budget (below $250,000)

  • Silver
    2020 NYX Awards

    Content Marketing & Writing – Feature Article

  • Gold
    2020 NYX Awards

    Content Marketing & Writing – Brand Journalism