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Mary’s Story: Personal and Professional Growth on Employment Horizons’ AbilityOne Contract

When Mary started working on Employment Horizons’ AbilityOne contract over 24 years ago, she was ready to build a meaningful career after working several retail jobs. After learning the ropes in her new janitorial position, comprehensive ongoing on-the-job training provided Mary a broad base of knowledge, which encouraged her to take on more responsibility as her career progressed. Today, she is responsible for cleaning a whole floor in an office building, including hallways, restrooms, and conference rooms.

While Mary works independently, she values the personal connections she has made at work. Her friendships with her coworkers and the camaraderie with the servicemen and servicewomen who work in her building are the best parts of her job. The relationships that Mary builds on her job make her feel special—like a part of the team. “I like working here because I get to see my friends,” Mary says. “And I have benefits, days off, transportation—it’s all good!”

Mary lights up when talking about spending time with her colleagues on the Employment Horizons transport van, which takes 13 employees to and from their jobs on base every day.  Because Mary doesn’t drive, the van is essential to her continued employment, but it also provides a special sense of community. “I take the van here, and we sometimes go to Dunkin Donuts on the way—and I’m yapping the whole way—it’s a good time.”

Mary’s mother, Marilyn, has noticed how her employment has had a positive impact on her well-being, sense of self, and social life. Having a job that she likes and working both independently and as a part of a team is fostering personal and professional growth along with a sense of well-being.

“It gives her independence; she earns her own money, and she enjoys the people that she works with,” Marilyn says. “Her job has helped with her self-confidence—she feels good about herself.”

Mary’s worked on our AbilityOne contract for several years, and she is confident in her work, but she still appreciates advice from Bilingual Employment Support Specialist Viviana, who gives her many points on how to do her job well. She also credits her longtime supervisor, Rich, with always being there if she needs guidance.

“Rich is really great,” Mary says. “He always checks in to see how we’re doing.”

Mary’s employment has also led to another important role: advocate. In 2019, Mary traveled to Washington, DC with her mother and Employment Horizons’ staff to attend SourceAmerica’s Grassroots Advocacy Conference and met with congressional offices to advocate for the rights of workers with disabilities. “It was fun to do that, to advocate for myself and for my friends,” Mary says. “I had a good time telling them about the work I do.”

Mary’s experience shows that having a job can mean so much more than just a steady paycheck; thanks to the AbilityOne program, Mary has a career she’s proud of, supportive friends as coworkers, and a strong sense of self.

Building a Career with Dedication and Humor at Employment Horizons

When Jimmy joined Employment Horizons’ AbilityOne team at Picatinny Arsenal over sixteen years ago, he was ready to work hard and learn. Over time, he’s become one of the team’s most experienced members, taking on leadership roles, supporting coworkers, and training new employees.

“My responsibilities have grown over the years because i’ve gained more knowledge– really learned how to clean well and take on those tougher jobs,” Jimmy says. Today, he handles complex janitorial work, including floor stripping, waxing, carpet shampooing and deep cleaning.

His strong attention to detail and willingness to take on challenging projects at night and on weekends have earned him respect from both peers and supervisors. “He has excellent attention to detail and extensive knowledge in the cleaning field,” says Director of Commercial Services, Gilsenia Castro. “He’s always willing to collaborate on special projects and is knowledgeable in performing the premium services offered.”

Jimmy is much more than a skilled worker; he’s a source of energy and encouragement for everyone around him. His laughter and encouragement ripple through the team, inspiring coworkers and easing stressful moments. Even early in the morning, while most of the team is still waking up with coffee in hand, Jimmy is cracking jokes, sharing smiles and lifting spirits. “Having a sense of humor helps you connect with the people you’re working with,” he says. He’s the kind of teammate who’ll cheer you on, tell a well-timed joke, or lend a hand just because he cares. His playful, inclusive sense of humor helps set a positive tome for the day and brings coworkers closer together.

That natural ability to connect with others has made him a strong trainer and mentor in his role as Lead Janitor. He brings patience and approachability to every interaction, helping new employees feel welcomed and supported from the start. He works closely with Viviana Cabrera, Employment Horizons’ Bilingual Employment Support Professional, who says, “You can always count on Jimmy. He’s flexible and he always finds a new solution.” Together, they provide the encouragement and know-how new employees need to thrive.

Jimmy’s experience shows that with encouragement, opportunity and a little humor, great things can happen. Through the AbilityOne program, he’s built a rewarding career and climbed a meaningful career ladder–growing his skills, taking on important responsibilities and making a positive impact on those around him. His dedication and positive spirit make a lasting difference– not just in his work, but in the supportive and welcoming workplace environment he helps foster every day.

The William M. Usdane Award: A Tribute to a Leader’s Empathy, Guidance, and Positive Impact

When one of our team members was honored with the William M. Usdane Award at SourceAmerica’s Xforce Conference, no one was more excited than his coworkers—those he works alongside and trains on our AbilityOne contract at Picatinny Arsenal—because they know just how deserving their colleague is of this recognition. While we’re keeping his name private to respect his preference, the impact of our award-winning Lead Janitor speaks for itself. Known around Employment Horizons for his creative teaching methods and tools, he has been a mentor to dozens.

After joining Employment Horizons’ janitorial team in 2015, his work ethic and attention to detail led to a promotion in 2021 to Lead Janitor, a position in which he trains individuals with disabilities with a high level of dedication and care—he truly wants to see his trainees succeed. To this end, he adjusts his training methods to meet his trainees where they are and uses innovation and creativity to make work more efficient and fun.

Whether creating new tools to make their jobs easier, adjusting training techniques to suit different learning styles, or providing personalized guidance to a colleague in need of extra on-the-job support, his dedication to helping his trainees has had an indelible impact on their professional growth. By helping individuals with disabilities who are new to our workforce learn new skills, they also gain confidence; and by fostering an environment where trainees feel heard, understood, and respected, trainees gain a sense of personal satisfaction and belonging.

Being a part of the AbilityOne Program empowers employees to hone expertise in their field, develop leadership skills and be promoted so that they can impart their wisdom to a new generation—making it possible for people with barriers to employment enjoy their work and thrive at their jobs. Check out our carousel of quotes from his colleagues below to learn some of the reasons why our award-winning Lead Janitor’s colleagues are so excited for his recognition: