Operation ABLE Success Stories
Our job seekers represent the heart and soul of what we do.
Here are some of their stories.
Marie Padmore , Customer Service Representative
Newton Wellesley Hospital
"I am so grateful to Operation ABLE for convincing me that I always had the ability to succeed and achieve my goal. If I didn’t find you, I don’t know what I would be doing."
Marie is a graduate of Operation ABLE's Medical Office Skills Training program
Mass General Hospital (Employer Training Program)
"ABLE graduates are well prepared and motivated. I find that ABLE grads are proud of what they have learned and eager to put their training to work, and open to learning more."
Steven Taranto, Director of Human Resources
Darneese Carnes, Duck Boat Driver
at Boston Duck Tours
"I cannot say enough about the staff and programs at Operation ABLE. I was in a very dark place, but the help and support I received brought me back into the light."
Darneese is a Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) Participant
Ethos Care (Employer Training Program)
"In short, the Operation ABLE participants at Ethos have increased the program’s capacity in a very large and very meaningful way. Their addition to the program has added enhanced organization, efficiency, customer service, and data fidelity. Our Operation ABLE participants have become key members at Ethos and we are deeply grateful for the support of each individual participant and for our partnership with Operation A.B.L.E. as an organization!”
Meg Barhite, Director of Counseling and Support
Charles Cross , Office Manager
Tom James Company
Charles Cross worked for 24 years at a local fashion house responsible for all aspects of office management, sales and processing orders. When the company went out of business, “I had plenty of experience, but the business was not computerized. We did everything with pen and paper,” Charlie said. He enrolled in ABLE Beginnings and learned the basics and continued into the Skills2Work program. Armed with confidence and skills and the support of the ABLE staff, Charles got a job he enjoys, Office Manager for the Tom James Company.
Berkshire Manufactured Products, Inc., Newburyport MA (Employer Training Program)
"Operation ABLE has been a great company to train our employees. Their trainers are experts and have great warmth - receiving high praise from our employees."
Lisa M. Lurie, HR Manager
Steven Taranto, Director of Human Resources MGH & JoAnne Meyer, ABLE Graduate
Massachusetts General Hospital
In the last year, Massachusetts General Hospital has hired 13 graduates of Operation ABLE’s training programs. MGH is a solid supporter of Operation ABLE and according to Steven Taranto, Director of Human Resources, the reason is simple: “ABLE graduates are well prepared and motivated, and they fit in well with MGH’s philosophy of maintaining a multi-generational workforce.” He added, “Graduates of ABLE’s Medical Office Training program are especially well suited to work at the medical institution. I find that ABLE grads are proud of what they have learned and eager to put their training to work, and open to learning more.”
ABLE alumni at MGH are noted for being solid performers who don’t rattle easily, and often serve as mentors to younger coworkers.
*JoAnne Meyer, ABLE Graduate and Patient Service Coordinator with Massachusetts General Hospital
Donna Beaulieu, Patient Services Coordinator
Massachusetts General Hospital
After 31 years with a major airline, Donna Beaulieu found herself retired but still in need of a job and steady paycheck. She came to Operation ABLE and completed the Medical Office Training program. After completing a six-week internship, Donna landed a great job as Patient Services Coordinator with Massachusetts General Hospital.
Dragan Grujic, Community Health Worker
Chelsea Health Center
“I wanted to transition from my career in photography to a position where I could better support my family. Now I am a Community Health Worker, where I get to combine my language skills and what I learned at Operation ABLE. My new job allows me to both support my family and serve the community. Thank you to Operation ABLE.”
Jumoke Adamolekun, Patient Service Coordinator
Massachusetts General Hospital’s Women’s Health Associates
“At almost 60 years old, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy getting back into the workforce, but little did I know just how difficult it would be! Operation ABLE provided an enabling space with the network, emotional support and specialized training to help me overcome the challenges of my job search.”
Ella Jahdia Tibbs-Caldwell, Administrative Assistant
Boston Medical Center Working Well
“It’s a job trying to get a job. When I first got here, I was very fearful. I couldn’t type at all. I didn’t really know the computer well. ABLE gave me great skills and how to navigate through the system. Operation ABLE, its staff and students, have changed my life. Just knowing I would be getting up in the morning to come to Operation ABLE lifted my spirits and relieved my depression. Thank you ever so much for the opportunity to help me believe in myself again.”
Louise Marie Fitzgerald, Patient Service Coordinator
Massachusetts General Hospital Heart Surgery
“Shirley, my instructor, was really great. She has a way of pushing you without you feeling pushed. With her encouragement, I worked hard and graduated. I would also like to thank the donors who believe in Operation ABLE, who in turn, believed in me.”
