UCHealth: A True Champion of Partnership and Inclusion
What makes a workplace a good fit for Ability Specialists' participants? The answer is a strong, collaborative partnership built on inclusion and support. At Ability Specialists, we've found just that with UCHealth, one of our most valued allies. Their unwavering commitment to a welcoming environment plays a vital role in the success of many of our participants who thrive within their Food Service Department.
Take Garrett, for example. For over 20 years, he has been a dedicated employee at UCHealth, and with the support of both Ability Specialists and the incredible UCHealth team, he continues to grow personally and professionally as an independent worker. Key supporters like Food Service Manager Lenord, Food Service Leads Lorna and Mary, and Project Manager Doris have provided invaluable guidance on his journey.
Our Work Crew also thrives in this environment. Four times a week, they contribute in the dish rooms and cafeterias, connecting with the hospital community and gaining valuable experience. This wouldn't be possible without the welcoming leadership of Food Service Director Amanda and Executive Chef Jesus, who consistently guide us and help create a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
The entire UCHealth team—from the cooks to the service staff—serves as a model of teamwork, high standards, and adaptability. They create a workplace where our participants are not only welcomed but truly succeed. We are incredibly grateful to UCHealth for being a true champion of inclusion, growth, and partnership. We proudly shout out their entire team for creating a workplace where our participants are truly able to thrive!
FAQ
How does UCHealth support its community and champion inclusion?
UCHealth supports its community by creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where individuals of all abilities can thrive. Through its long-standing partnership with Ability Specialists, UCHealth's leadership and staff, including Food Service Manager Lenord, Project Manager Doris, and Food Service Director Amanda, provide invaluable guidance. Their commitment to teamwork and high standards allows participants like Garrett and the Work Crew to succeed professionally and personally, demonstrating a true dedication to community growth and partnership.
What kind of partnerships does Ability Specialists have to help people find jobs?
Ability Specialists forms strong and lasting partnerships with businesses that are committed to inclusion and growth, like our valued ally, UCHealth. These collaborations are built on a shared mission to create welcoming workplaces where our participants can thrive. Through these partnerships, we are able to place individuals and our Work Crew in supportive environments where they receive mentorship and gain valuable, long-term employment experience.
What kind of jobs do participants from Ability Specialists do?
Our participants take on a variety of roles within our partner organizations, focusing on essential functions that support daily operations. At UCHealth, for example, our participants are vital members of the Food Service Department. Garrett has been a dedicated employee there for over 20 years, while our Work Crew contributes four times a week in the dish rooms and cafeterias, gaining valuable work experience and becoming part of the hospital community.
How do you measure success in your workplace partnerships?
We measure the success of our partnerships by the personal and professional growth of our participants. The greatest indicator of success is seeing individuals like Garrett become independent, dedicated, and long-term employees. We also look at the positive impact of our Work Crew, who thrive in supportive environments and feel a sense of belonging. The mutual respect and welcoming atmosphere created by our partners, like UCHealth, are the ultimate benchmarks of a successful collaboration.