Achieving Goals and Building a Bright Future on Employment Horizons’ AbilityOne Contract

For Ian, 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!