Peckham Inc., a Lansing, MI-based nonprofit that provides training and employment opportunities to individuals with significant disabilities, has partnered with Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids to offer entry-level careers in the Information Technology industry.

 

The new opportunity has given a renewed sense of independence, confidence, and freedom to agents like Jonathan Krieger, 31, who began in January. Krieger, who has cerebral palsy, came to Peckham with an unfulfilling work history – most recently working customer service at a cash-advance facility, and before that unemployed.

 

“Finding companies to accommodate a disabled workforce is very hard. They think people with disabilities are more of a burden than a future success story,” comments Krieger. ”At Peckham, your disability is not a barrier to you receiving gainful employment, and the positive work environment allows you to be as successful as you possibly can.”

 

Peckham earned the work through AbilityOne, a federal program that provides jobs to people who are blind or have other significant disabilities.

 

”There was a time where because of my mental challenges I didn’t think I could do anything else. I didn’t think I would be able to learn anything different,” says Dan Zandstra, 39, who joined Peckham in February.

 

”Without a place like Peckham, it would be very difficult for me to work. There have been times (in work), when my anxiety/depression has been so paralyzing, it has made me just as paralyzed as someone who can’t physically move,” said Zandstra. ”Peckham supports you in reaching your highest goal and working through your challenges. It feels like a family.”

 

The work is challenging yet rewarding. Agents go through a 15-week training course to earn their COMPTIA A+ Certification. After completion of training and certification, they can begin their work – providing quality technical support to federal agency employees.