Meet Chris

Chris was referred to our Employment Services in Great Falls a year ago to help him overcome some barriers to employment and find meaningful work. At the time, we happened to have an opening for a non-client crew member on one of Easterseals-Goodwill’s janitorial teams. Chris’s case manager suggested that he apply for the job; Chris interviewed and was hired. His new job was such a good fit that after two months Chris was promoted to a direct support professional position and within six months he became the supervisor of the night crew.

Our janitorial program consists of several inclusive teams made up of individuals with and without intellectual or other disabilities. Each team is supervised by an Easterseals-Goodwill direct support professional.

There are many challenges with this work, and Chris just keeps successfully navigating through them, according to Employment Services manager Amanda. “Chris is so awesome with the clients. He is very patient and takes the time to show them how to do their jobs appropriately. He has a nice, calm demeanor that they relate to and appreciate. Chris’s quality of work is always good, and it shows in the buildings his crew cleans.”

Chris shared, “I enjoy my job and the people I work with.” Not only does Chris have a job he is good at and likes, but as a result of his steady employment, he was able to move into a new apartment. He is both benefiting from our mission to create opportunities that change lives, while helping make the mission a reality for his crew.  A member of Chris’s janitorial crew offered this praise, “I like working with Chris. He’s a cool guy.”