National Disability Employment Awareness Month is “Celebrating Value and Talent.” It highlights the achievements of American workers with disabilities who are bringing these qualities to our workplaces and economy. This theme aligns with Quest, Inc.’s mission to help individuals with developmental disabilities experience a full life. For many of the people Quest serves, employment is a crucial step toward achieving this goal.
Gaining pre-employment skills at Quest
Genea is one such individual. She once lived independently but moved in with her mother due to changes in her mobility needs. Nearly five years ago, she transitioned to one of Quest’s group homes, allowing her the additional space needed to navigate her wheelchair. However, Genea was determined to return to independent living. She began attending Quest’s adult day training center in Apopka and participated in recreational and life skills development activities tailored to her needs.
Quest’s training centers provide pre-employment skills education to help individuals secure competitive jobs in the community. Regardless of ability, participants learn to align their talents with their practical abilities to achieve successful outcomes. For Genea, this journey included volunteering at the Snack Shack, an on-site convenience store at the training center, where she developed essential customer service skills.
The journey to securing a role at Quest’s Business Enterprises
Genea was inspired by stories of others within the Quest community who had found employment. She inquired if the staff could arrange a community inclusion outing to Quest’s Business Enterprises, which provides work opportunities within Quest properties and social ventures that offer ongoing on-site supervision and assistance. The staff scheduled a tour for Genea and other training center participants interested in employment, allowing them to explore the working environment.
“I had the chance to do a trial period on the job, and I was thrilled when they offered me a position,” Genea shares. “Now, I’ve been working at Business Enterprises for a month, and I love it.”
This position marks Genea’s first consistent job in years. Transportation is one of the biggest barriers to sustainable employment for those with developmental disabilities. Thanks to Quest’s partnership with Access Lynx, Genea has a reliable and safe way to get to work each day.
Genea currently works four days a week and is moving toward a full-time schedule, assisting her peers in adding RFID tags to cups for a large hospitality and entertainment company. These tags help track daily cup sales, and each individual is responsible for tagging at least one box each day to maintain the weekly delivery schedule. She is thriving in her role, learning the necessary skills, seeking help when needed and continuously striving for improvement.
“From day one, Genea has shown remarkable dedication and determination. Her progress speaks volumes, and her hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. It’s a privilege to have her as part of our team,” states Ebony Rutland, employment manager at Quest’s Business Enterprises.
Achieving greater independence through meaningful work
Genea has developed strong friendships at work and they socialize together in their free time. She recently celebrated receiving her first paycheck andaims to save up to achieve her ultimate goal: living at Quest Village.
“I believe that God has brought me to Quest for a reason,” Genea reflects. “Without Quest, I wouldn’t have had this job opportunity, and I thank all the staff who helped me with everything from the tour to the application process and answering my questions.”
As Genea continues to flourish in her role, she demonstrates that with faith, dedication and support, dreams can become reality. We look forward to seeing all she will accomplish as she reinforces Quest’s belief that individuals with developmental disabilities can and are willing to contribute meaningfully to work if given the opportunity and support.
