LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Meet Jacob. He’s part of the cleaning staff at Wyndham Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek, and he got his job through InnClusivity, a nonprofit that helps adults with special needs find their place in the hospitality industry.
“I got vacuum cleaners, and wiping down lights, and clean the doors,” Jacob said, describing his daily duties with unmistakable pride.
A year ago, Jacob was just touring this same hotel as part of InnClusivity’s immersion program. Something about the place spoke to him, and he thought a job here might just be for him. Today, he’s proven that instinct right, becoming a valued member of the cleaning staff.
During a recent staff meeting, General Manager Kathy Zucker couldn’t contain her enthusiasm about Jacob’s impact on the team.
“We’re so proud that you have welcomed Jacob here. He’s been here since last May,” Zucker told her staff, drawing spontaneous applause. “I am sure that everyone would agree, we need a few more Jacobs here.”
For Zucker, Jacob represents exactly what the hospitality industry needs.
“It is really really hard to find great people working in hospitality and then to find such passion behind it. So it does fill a need. It’s certainly not a charity process,” she explained.
The success has been so complete that Zucker is already looking at ways to expand Jacob’s role.
“I would love for him to mirror someone at the front desk so he can see the whole activity and just kind of continue to grow within himself,” she said.
Mike Schugt, the force behind InnClusivity, chokes back tears when he sees how far Jacob has come.
“When I see him vacuuming the hallway I get emotional,” Schugt said, his voice catching. “Because this is a guy who didn’t have a job and now he does have a job and I spoke to his parents once and you know... Jacob has a renewed purpose.”
The program’s success at Wyndham builds on InnClusivity’s growing impact across Central Florida. The organization recently conducted another successful training program at Gaylord Palms Resort , where more special needs adults discovered potential careers in hospitality.
As for Jacob, his motivation is beautifully simple. “I just like to work on myself and helping people,” he said with a smile. “Yes, yes sir.”
For more information about InnClusivity’s programs and employment opportunities in the hospitality industry, visit their website here.