NDEAM Spotlight: Maddie

Happy National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM)! This ‘Workforce Wednesday’ Spotlight shines on Maddie! 🌟

At NW Works, opportunities for advancement and workforce development are key for the people we serve. Maddie, a Project SEARCH graduate and team member who works in the community recently earned a promotion that came about thanks to her hard work, diligence, and support from her job coach, Caitlin. Maddie works for the City of Winchester as a Custodian and joined the team in August of 2023.

When Maddie joined the City of Winchester as Custodian 1, she brought experience from her first job at Sodexo through Shenandoah University, but also a desire to grow and develop in a new role. As a graduate from Project SEARCH, Maddie had shown her flexibility and desire to grow before, and joining the Winchester City Team was no different.

In early 2024, Maddie and her job coach, Caitlin, began exploring the possibility of a promotion and areas for improvement, including time management, communication, and independence during tasks. Maddie paused briefly in 2024 to refocus on her job responsibilities rather than gearing up for a promotion, and was able to return to the advancement path in January of 2025. As Maddie worked toward a promotion, she gained confidence, mastered new responsibilities and increased her independence. She regularly received positive feedback from the buildings she cleaned, and over time her supports were removed as Maddie felt comfortable doing things more independently. Maddie completed online trainings and 50 required work orders ahead of schedule, which assisted her in officially earning her promotion to Custodian II in May of this year.

Today, Maddie is still doing well and is fulfilling her job responsibilities. She’s flexible, independent, and already has her sights set on Custodian III. Maddie’s journey is a testament to how the right support and a belief in someone’s potential can lead to remarkable growth. At NW Works, we’re proud to support individuals like Maddie as they develop skills, build confidence and maximize their independence through meaningful work. Congratulations to Maddie on her promotion, and thank you to Caitlin, The Employment Team at NW Works, and the Project SEARCH support staff who guided Maddie toward success.