Stephanie Gains Real-World Experience Through Her CBA at Round Table Pizza
Stephanie is making great strides toward employment, and her current Community Based Assessment (CBA) at Round Table Pizza is helping her build the skills and confidence she needs to succeed. So far, Stephanie has had the chance to learn and apply real-world job tasks, including food preparation, stocking the salad bar, and bussing tables. With […]
Cameron’s Journey: From Community Center Favorite to Thriving Employee
Cameron’s bright smile and boundless positivity have made him a beloved presence at our Community Center for years. Whether he’s engaging in arts and crafts, playing games, or participating in Friday and weekend outings, Cameron brings joy to everyone around him. At Columbia Ability Alliance, Cameron found more than just activities—he found a second family. […]
Kevin Finds His Place in the Spotlight at the Tri-City Dust Devils
When Kevin first connected with Columbia Ability Alliance, he had one goal: to find meaningful employment. With the help of one of our dedicated Employment Specialists, Kevin began the journey to overcome barriers and navigate the job market with renewed confidence. Thanks to his hard work and determination—and a little teamwork from our side—Kevin landed […]
Meet Francisco: How Inclusive Employment at Columbia Ability Alliance Creates Purpose and Pride
At Columbia Ability Alliance, we believe that meaningful employment changes lives. For Francisco, that change came through opportunity, support, and a workplace that truly values inclusion. Francisco works as a janitor in the Rich Feder Building, specifically on the courthouse side, a position with unique responsibilities. From managing courtroom schedules to understanding the setup of […]
Meet Richard T.
Every job seeker has a story and Richard Thomas’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and heart. A client of Columbia Ability Alliance’s Employment Services Program, Richard is wheelchair-bound and non-verbal, but communicates fluently using adaptive technology mounted to his chair. His determination and positive energy are impossible to miss. In his video resume, Richard […]
Sean’s Story: Turning a Passion for Cooking Into a Professional Future with Opportunity Kitchen
Sean Wilson’s journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of second chances. Once working as a dishwasher at Denny’s and struggling to make ends meet, Sean knew something had to change. That turning point came when life challenged him to rethink his future — and he found his path forward at Columbia Ability […]
Dawn’s Culinary Journey with Opportunity Kitchen
At Columbia Ability Alliance, our mission is all about transformation—helping people discover their potential, learn new skills, and feel empowered to take the next steps in their lives. We’re so excited to share the success story of Dawn, a recent graduate of our Opportunity Kitchen program, whose culinary journey exemplifies the incredible impact of hands-on […]
Justin’s Journey: From Facing Barriers to Leading with Purpose at Columbia Ability Alliance
For Justin, employment has never been just about a paycheck — it’s about independence, dignity, and purpose. Over the past 16 years, he has gone from being a Columbia Ability Alliance client to managing one of the organization’s most impactful programs: the AbilityOne Janitorial Contract at the Federal Building. Justin’s early life wasn’t without challenges. […]
From Support to Success: A Sister’s View of How Opportunity Kitchen Transformed Her Brother’s Life
Sometimes, the most powerful success stories come from the people who witness them firsthand. For Lauren, watching her brother grow through Columbia Ability Alliance’s Opportunity Kitchen program has been nothing short of life-changing — not just for him, but for everyone who loves him. Her brother came to Columbia Ability Alliance looking for employment support. […]
Scott’s Legacy: 39 Years of Dedication and Pride at Columbia Ability Alliance
Some stories deserve the spotlight — not for their flash, but for their quiet, consistent power. Scott’s journey with Columbia Ability Alliance is one of those stories. After 39 years of service, Scott recently retired, but his connection to CI remains strong. From his early days working in packaging, to manufacturing welding hoods for the […]