FHF Annual Report 2023

CHANGING LIVES “

Jordan’s parents reached out to Quality Connections to access our work training programs and help Jordan, who has autism, secure a job.

Those conversations demonstrated Jordan’s detailed knowledge about all the buses in the Mountain Line fleet. He can talk extensively and expertly about the pros and cons of diesels, hybrids, electric vehicles, and the New Flyer articulated long buses. Eventually, executives at Mountain Line learned about Jordan and reached out to Quality Connections Director of Employment Services, Allie Lunsford. They wanted to create a position for Jordan at the public transit agency to help keep their buses clean, they said. They asked if Quality Connections could help with training.

Jordan’s mother, Mable Goodwin, a retired special education teacher, said the position was a perfect fit for Jordan.

“Some of the characteristics of being on the [autism] spectrum are real strengths in the workplace,” she said. “He can really focus and stay on task. He enjoys order and for everything to be just so.” These qualities helped Jordan develop into the great worker he is today. His family shares that Jordan’s previous experience working at Mission Linen helped prepare him to seize the opportunity with Mountain Line. In fact, Jordan did so well at Mission Linen, that they have continued employing workers with disabilities in their operation, and fully supported his transition to working at Mountain Line.

FOREST HIGHLANDS FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2023