Success Stories - Employer Services & Workplace Solutions

CRAIG F.

When Craig came to Lifeworks in 2003 at age 30 he had had some work experience as a battery inspector at Polaroid and in the mailrooms at the EPA and Boston's Children's Hospital. But Craig's job skills needed further development.

Working closely with his Lifeworks counselor, Craig gained valuable experience at Romanow Container and Harbor Textiles, two companies that have a history of success hiring Lifeworks employees.

But Craig's career really "took flight" when he interviewed for and was hired, along with five other Lifeworks individuals, at Gate Gourmet at Logan Airport where he assembles snack packages for one of their most important airline customers.

Craig often uses public transportation to commute to and from work independently.

"I stay on task and do a good job. I do the best I can," says Craig. He is quick to point out that his starting wage of $7.84 per hour was soon raised to $8.18 per hours, and that he gets along very well with his co-workers and supervisor.

In 2004 Craig received the "Most Improved Employee" award at the Lifeworks Employment Services Annual Banquet. He spoke to the audience of nearly 500 people about his achievement and his appreciation for Lifeworks.

"Lifeworks helped me get this job at Gate Gourmet and I am very grateful", says Craig. " I work hard at my job and take it seriously."

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Clydester ("Call Me Ester!") G.

After graduating from high school, Clydester G. (who prefers to be called "Ester" by her friends), worked at several video stores and at a local Wal-Mart stacking and organizing shelves.

Ester came to Lifeworks in August of 2000 and was soon hired by Newbury College to work in their cafeteria cleaning tables, stocking condiments and sweeping up the busy dining hall.

After some initial challenges, she did very well. In 2004, Ester interviewed with 27 other candidates for a job with Gate Gourmet at Logan Airport in East Boston. She was hired as part of a crew of six, where she and her work partners assemble snacks, condiments, and supplies for one of Gate Gourmet's major airline clients.

Ester she loves her job at Gate Gourmet because "the people are nice", she "likes the work", and feels that the excellent hourly pay makes it "one of the best jobs" she's ever had.

Since acquiring her position at Gate Gourmet, Ester says she has become more responsible and stable in all aspects of her life. Her attitude has improved dramatically and she is a "new and better Ester". She intends to keep her job "for a long, long time" by continuing to interact positively with her supervisors and coworkers, and working hard.

In the spring of 2005, Ester volunteered to accompany the Lifeworks Marketing Manager to a public relations events held at a local bank in West Roxbury. To help generate job leads for other Lifeworks individuals, Ester handed out materials and introduced herself to local residents, business people, bank officials and staff, talking about Lifeworks and her job at Gate Gourmet.

About Lifeworks, Ester says, "they treat people good and you feel safe here. Get to know everybody and you'll be fine. I feel like I'm getting the care I'm supposed to have and I feel safe here".

As a result of her hard work, excellent attendance record, positive attitude, spirit of teamwork and overall enthusiasm for her job, Ester was honored at the 2005 Lifeworks Annual Awards Banquet as an individual who was "Most Improved". She had set this goal for herself after being hired by Gate Gourmet, and Ester was extremely proud to achieve it with the wholehearted support of her staff and coworkers at Lifeworks.

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TED F.

Three years ago, MIT Endicott House, owned by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and situated on 25 acres of landscape in Dedham, MA, began its relationship with Lifeworks, Inc.

We were seeking someone to fill an entry-level part-time custodial position and decided to interview Ted F. who was referred by Lifeworks, Inc. in Norwood, MA.

Ted was offered a position as houseman, in charge of cleaning the lobby and meeting rooms, and performing other duties such as removing trash and keeping the offices clean. As MIT Endicott House serves as a site for important retreats, conferences and special events, this job is very important to us.

Right from the beginning the relationship proved to be extremely fruitful for everyone concerned. After hiring Ted, who quickly became a valued and appreciated team member, our staff developed a heightened sense of camaraderie, mentoring, and teamwork.

Here's an example of Ted's extraordinary personality and work ethic: When Ted received his first paycheck he took his family out to dinner….. his treat …as he was so proud of his new job and independence! And, at the end of his workday, when Ted may have only 5 minutes left to go, he will often approach Mike or another staff member to ask what task he can do next, or how he might help out, until his shift is complete.

We were very proud last year to see Ted's photograph, taken in front of MIT Endicott House, on the cover of the brand new Lifeworks, Inc. brochure.

We look forward to continuing our relationship with Lifeworks for many years to come and encourage other employers to give Lifeworks and the individuals they serve, like Ted, every opportunity to fill part-time entry-level positions, as it is truly a "win-win" for everyone concerned.

- Mike Fitzgerald, General Manager

Mike Fitzgerald is an active member of the Lifeworks Business Advisory Council, a volunteer committee designed to help other Lifeworks individuals find independent employment in local communities.