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.