You can
make a
difference
as a social
entrepreneurship
enterprise.
Blue-J Cleaning Business in a box is a business model developed for and in part by those on the autism spectrum
Adam
Adam worked for Blue-J 2 years before going on to work at his “dream job” with Federal Express. A Blue-J cleaning associate was Adam’s first job. During his time at Blue-J, Adam worked his way up to be a team leader, gained the confidence to get his driver’s license, transported other team members to and from jobs and built his resume. Adam was sitting at home dreaming of having a job like his younger brother prior to his employment with Blue-J. Adam would like to marry one day and have a family and because of his new independence, I have no doubt that he will achieve that.
Eric
Eric started out his first job as a cleaning associate. I was told that Eric would need a job coach to help him carry out his duties. That was a no go for me. Eric proved them wrong and he became a team leader, cleaned solo on jobs and became known as the keeper of the keys. Eric got himself to work by navigating the internet and the bus schedule, taking the bus needed to get him from point A to point B. He did so with pride and carried, one of the few vacuum cleaners we owned, along with him.
Ben
Ben’s first job was managing the cleaning services of the high school he graduated from. Ben worked independently on other Blue-J jobs and became a trusted and dependable employee through his time with us. Today, Ben works at a prestigious country club in his hometown. Ben is in his 4th year there. Blue-J helped Ben to gain confidence, build a resume and get a job more aligned with his interests.
Victor
Victor had a smile that lit up a room. Victor’s stay with Blue-J was short but impactful. He was a team player and could always be counted on to do the job to perfection. Victor now works at the Amazon warehouse in his hometown and doing well.
Xavier
Xavier struggled at first emotionally with the idea of having a job. Taking constructive feedback and failing at times was hard for him to bounce back from. However, he pressed through and fought the fight or flight urge. Xavier became a dependable and reliable employe of over 2 years. Years after he left for a warehouse job, he sent me a thank you note. In that note, Xavier thanked me for pushing him to be his best. He now understood why I was doing that and didn’t go easy on him. He had matured. Xavier is now working at a job he loves and making his own way.
Michael
Michael’s aunt found Blue-J while searching for companies that hired individuals on the spectrum and reached out to Blue-J for more information. Michael went through his job shadowing experience successfully and was assigned his first job. He started out being a team member and quickly worked his way up to working solo on jobs. No one could clean a bathroom like Michael. He was perfecto! While working for Blue-J, Michael’s communication skills soared at home and at work. When Michael was on the job I did not worry. Everything would be done just right. It may take him longer to finish and he as well as the clients understood that and it was OK.
Shawn
Shawn has been working for Blue-J 6 years and has the sole responsibility of cleaning a dentist’s office. They absolutely love Shawn. Shawn is non-verbal and finds it difficult to express himself. With the assistance of his mother, Shawn was able to express the importance of working independently and learning skills needed to clean. He loves the hours and the staff are nice. I might add that Shawn played the drums in a rock band and as a solo singer. Shawn also played the cymbals in a local orchestra.