Observed each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the value and talents of workers with disabilities. It’s a time to reaffirm Goodwill’s commitment to creating access to quality employment for individuals with disabilities and promoting a more equitable workplace. This commitment is central to Goodwill's mission.
Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana takes pride in being one of the largest employers of persons with disabilities in Indiana. In 2023, Goodwill provided quality employment opportunities to more than 1,700 individuals with disabilities.
One of those individuals is Adonis Moncrief, employed at Goodwill through the AbilityOne program. His journey exemplifies growth and success through Goodwill’s programs. Facing challenges in finding employment because of his disability, Adonis turned to Goodwill for an opportunity. His story is a shining example of what can be achieved through perseverance.
Adonis’s journey began in November 2014 when he enrolled in the Janitorial Training Program (JTP), which provides on-the-job janitorial training for individuals facing employment barriers. His dedication and hard work led him to graduate from the program and secure full-time employment as a janitor working for Goodwill at the VA Hospital through the AbilityOne program. This federal initiative partners with not-for-profit organizations like Goodwill to provide jobs to persons with disabilities.
With support from his Goodwill Mission Coach – a life and career coach who works with employees, students, and program participants to develop their personal and professional goals. Adonis’s dedication, patience, and commitment to high-quality service have made him a role model for others.
“Adonis exemplifies hard work and patience. His journey reflects the values of the AbilityOne program,” said Goodwill mission coach John Lutes.
Adonis’s hard work and determination resulted in a series of promotions. Recognizing his exemplary performance, Goodwill promoted him to a position as a mail clerk for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This role marked a significant milestone in his career. His commitment to his role led to another promotion in 2023 when he became the mailroom supervisor, a role in which his positive attitude and leadership continue to shine.
Beyond his career, Adonis deeply appreciates culture and the arts. An active artist, he enjoys music and video games, which he finds inspiring and relaxing. In 2019, Adonis created a series of illustrations focused on safety, which are now being used as a training document for onboarding new members to the AbilityOne Program. This innovative approach made safety training engaging and fun, inspiring other program participants.
"My job means everything to me. I wouldn’t be able to have the things I have, such as a roof over my head, clothes, shoes, and art supplies, without Goodwill and AbilityOne,” Adonis said.
This past September, Adonis attended the 2024 Grassroots Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., an annual event that brings together employees with disabilities, their families, and employers from SourceAmerica's network of AbilityOne providing agencies. At the conference, advocates like Adonis share their stories with members of Congress, giving personal examples of how policies made in Washington, D.C., impact employment opportunities for people with disabilities nationwide.
“People with disabilities are like superheroes to me. Never give up on your dreams. Keep trying, never stop,” Adonis said.
Are you interested in a career working with Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana? Check out our careers page to view all of our current employment opportunities goodwillindy.org/careers/