October 10 – Mary Chadwick (NDEAM Success Story)

Celebrating Our Successes!

Reflecting the important role that different perspectives play in workforce success, this year’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) theme is “Inclusion Drives Innovation.” Observed each October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents.

The Philadelphia “Employment 1st, Employment NOW!” Steering Committee is celebrating this year’s event with a month of employment success stories. Each day you will be receiving an email containing a new story about someone who is contributing to their community through employment. We invite you to join us as we celebrate their successes!

28 Years On The Job!

Mary Chadwick started working at Attleboro Nursing and Rehabilitation Center at the young age of 20. Mary identified for her new job search that she liked to clean and be around people, and was seeking a career.   She chose to go to an interview at Attleboro Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and was offered a full time position as a housekeeper. Mary began working there on May 1, 1989 where she has impressively remained for 28 years.

Mary performed all aspects of the housekeeping position for 27 years and then decided she wanted to transfer to laundry. Of course, they were happy to have her.   She completed all mandatory training including HIPAA policies and compliance, and OSHA regulations regarding infection control. Most importantly, Mary is the friendly face to brighten the days of the people who live at the nursing home. Mary has provided excellent service to this company and its residents. She goes beyond expectations with any duty asked of her. Mary has volunteered to sleep at the center during major snow storms and Hurricane Sandy so she could be available to the residents during these extreme weather conditions. Mary initiates and organizes staff birthday and welcome back parties to enhance staff morale. Mary has been complimented on numerous occasions for her hard work. The Human Resources Manager reports that Mary, who takes the bus, is much more reliable than many of the other employees who have their own vehicle.

Mary_Chadwick receiving awardMary has received several awards for being Employee of the Month, as well as experiencing her most celebrated moment during her tenure at the nursing home when the company sponsored a celebration in her honor for her 19th year of employment. During this celebration, Mary was awarded Employee of the Year for her company. Although others may not consider housekeeping a prestigious job, this has been Mary’s dream. Mary has performed her valued work and maintained commitment to her company, and has demonstrated to the business community and families of the residents that an individual’s work should be recognized and respected no matter what one’s title or label happens to be.

` Submitted by PATH

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