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From RISE to Picatinny Arsenal: Ian Finds His Niche at Work

When trying to find your place in the workforce, having some extra support can really make a difference. For individuals with disabilities who are leaving high school and wondering what to do next, Employment Horizons’ RISE (Readiness for Individual Success in Employment) program helps them identify the path that best aligns with their skills and preferences. For Ian, it helped him develop valuable work readiness skills that landed him a job on our #AbilityOne contract!

Ian had held jobs before starting the RISE program in September 2024, but hadn’t found the right fit yet; he felt the RISE program could help him determine a path forward toward long-term employment.

“Before RISE, I didn’t know how to interview; they taught me how to talk about my experience and my skills in a way that applies to the job,” Ian says. “They taught me how to be in a professional workplace and gave me skills that I use every day. They’re great instructors—they know what they’re doing!”

Jamie Osborn, Manager of Training and Education at Employment Horizons, credits Ian with approaching the RISE program with determination and maturity, which helped to ensure his success in the program—and beyond.

“Ian came to Employment Horizons extremely motivated to work and eager to receive support through the RISE Program,” says Jamie Osborn, Employment Horizons’ Manager of Training and Education. “He consistently demonstrated professionalism and genuine care for others and was an active participant in his services, allowing RISE staff to confidently secure a competitively integrated position at Picatinny Arsenal.”

After Ian’s graduation from the RISE program in November 2024, he was excited to start working at Picatinny Arsenal in the janitorial position that RISE staff helped him obtain. For the past year, he has been enjoying the camaraderie of his new workplace and the chance to build his skill set in a supportive environment.

“I work with the other Ian at Picatinny,” Ian says, referring to William Huber Achievement Award Winner Ian Lenahan (check out his story below!). “He’s great to work with—we just click, it’s almost like telepathic.”

Ian likes the balance of working alongside a team member while having ownership of his own set of tasks, explaining, “We work separately but together, and we split the tasks 50/50.”

Ian has also built strong relationships with other team members, such as Lead Worker Jimmy Mason, with whom he works regularly. He credits a shared sense of humor for strengthening their working relationship.

“Jimmy’s really easy to work with,” Ian says. “I laugh every day when I work with him.”

Bilingual Employment Support Specialist Viviana Cabrera, who helped Ian adjust to his new position, says that despite being on the job for only one year, Ian has already made consistent progress and is known as a dependable employee.

“Ian has successfully adjusted to full-time work, demonstrating improved time management and a consistent, positive attitude. He works well with his team, receives positive feedback from his supervisor, and communicates openly about his progress and goals,” Viviana says.

“I’ve had jobs before, but not like this,” Ian says. “I’ve been misunderstood in the past, but people here get me. Everyone might work differently—we all have our own niche, but we all do a good job.”

With his job boosting his confidence, building his skill set, and laying a solid foundation for his professional growth, Ian is excited about the future. As he considers how he would like to evolve in his career, he’s eager to see where he goes from here.

As Ian says, “I’m young—I have the whole world out there!”

Achieving Goals and Building a Bright Future on Employment Horizons’ AbilityOne Contract
Spotlight on our William Huber Award Recipient, Ian Lenahan

For Ian Lenahan, working on Employment Horizons’ AbilityOne contract for the past three years signifies the achievement of an important goal, one that is propelling him toward an exciting future. It all began after high school, when Ian set goals for his vision of a meaningful career. The first stop? Employment Horizons.

Ian participated in Employment Horizons’ RISE program, which helps young adults with disabilities transition from high school to adult life. Ian had a particular goal in mind: joining the janitorial team on Employment Horizons’ AbilityOne contract at Picatinny Arsenal. Given what he had heard about the training and guidance provided by EH staff, the job seemed like a great way to start his career in a supportive environment.

The RISE program helped Ian map out potential goals for the future, determine what paths best suited his skills and abilities, and prepare for employment interviews. When he completed the program, he applied for a janitorial position at Picatinny Arsenal—and got the job! The RISE program had provided the perfect “bridge” between school and employment for Ian.

“Jamie is really great,” Ian says of Jamie Osborn, who oversees the RISE program. “RISE prepared me well for my job at Picatinny,” Ian says. He also credits the Employment Horizons staff at Picatinny Arsenal for helping him thrive in his job.

“There’s a good level of support; they provide resources, a van run that gets me to and from work, and Viviana helps out and gives advice,” Ian says.

Bilingual Employment Support Specialist Viviana, who provides training and counseling to employees under Employment Horizons’ AbilityOne contract, says that Ian is known for being goal-oriented, and his recognition is well-deserved. “Ian is positive, responsible, and continues working hard to improve his skills and move forward,” she says.

Those on the janitorial leadership team also note his work ethic; Lead Worker Jimmy Mason praises Ian’s dependability and his talent for both working independently and collaborating with his coworkers.  “He’s a fantastic worker,” Jimmy says. “I can rely on him for anything. Very detail-oriented, very respectful—he’s a top worker.”

Clearly not one to rest on his laurels, it’s not surprising that Ian recently started working on another goal: going to college. While applying to college can be intimidating and stressful, he says that Jamie helped him find programs that best suited him.

“Jamie from the RISE program was really encouraging and helpful to me—even after I completed the program,” Ian says. “I love working with her.”

So, what does the future hold for Ian? He’s interested in entrepreneurship, in addition to his college education. And his job on Employment Horizons’ AbilityOne contract helps him prepare for both.

“This job allows me to save for my future,” Ian says. “And it makes the path to my goals clearer.”

At Employment Horizons, we’re all excited to see what’s next for our William Huber Award winner. Congratulations, Ian!

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: