Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana is committed to the continual strengthening of our community. We employ a significant number of people with disabilities and others who have limited vocational opportunities. Our Janitorial Training Program provides on-the-job and classroom training to assist people to develop the necessary skills to gain employment in the field of janitorial services. Cleaning staff members are trained, tested and certified in general office cleaning, rest room cleaning, carpet cleaning and restoration, hard floor maintenance and safety. And, we provide supervisors at every location, some of which are RBSM certified.
In 2005, Dawn Baxter, enrolled in Goodwill’s janitorial training program, desiring more flexibility in the workplace than she had in previous jobs.
Dawn, who has no use of her legs and uses a motorized wheelchair, worked a few months in the program with staff who trained her in basic janitorial tasks and worked with her to focus on areas that she could master.
“I learned how to clean. I’d never cleaned anything — I’d never cleaned a bathroom, I’d never cleaned a sink,” Dawn says. “Goodwill helped me learn what the proper protocol is, what the proper chemicals are and what not to mix together.”
In March 2006, Dawn completed her training and interviewed with the GW Commercial Services supervisor at the Major General Emmett J. Bean Federal Center.
“All the parties involved agreed that this could be a good move for her and put her in a bigger environment with more responsibilities,” says Amy Kieckbusch, Dawn’s current supervisor.
Now, Dawn travels quickly around the 1.6 million-square-foot building during her daily routine. Over time, Dawn’s supervisor has made special arrangements to help her add more tasks to her workday. She adapted a tool typically used to wash windows to aid Dawn while washing tables and chairs throughout the building.
Dawn says Goodwill has not only taught her additional skills but has built her confidence.
“I try to give my all,” she says. “With Goodwill, they treat you like a regular individual. They don't treat you like you have limitations. They encourage you to better yourself and go the extra mile and reach for that next step so you can improve yourself. They were willing to make adaptations for me so I can be a success.”