Success Stories
Scott's Story
Richard "Scott" Powell is responsible for GCE's custodial services at the Army Base in Fort Knox, Ky., which includes but is not limited to removing trash, cleaning restrooms and performing floor service. Prior to working with GCE, Scott was riding his bike one day and was struck by a car. The accident left him with cognitive limitations, a metal rod in his leg and limited sight in both eyes. In an instant, his life changed.
Scott's physical and mental limitations made it impossible for him to get a driver's license. His mother passed away after his injury also, and he was on his own, but none of that has stopped him. He has learned to manage outbursts and social interactions. He's learned and is practicing how to deal with and express his frustrations in a productive, professional and appropriate way in spite of the extra challenges life has presented to him.
Today, Scott lives alone, doesn't drive and has an outstanding attendance record. If he can't coordinate to ride with someone to work, he rides his bike five miles one way and is always punctual. Scott goes above and beyond for his team by staying late, coming in early, and he's even adjusted his vacation schedule to meet the needs of the company. He's been with GCE for 10 years.
His infectious attitude is: "We can get this done!" He also volunteers at the local animal shelter.
Scott is great at his duties and is a valued member of the team. In fact, if you were to watch him while he's working, you'd never know the challenges he overcomes each day.
Scott is GCE's 2014 Employee of the Year
Sebastian's Story
Sebastian Ploszaj is a 29-year-old husband, dad, IT worker, dog lover, student, volunteer and a U.S. Marine recipient of the Purple Heart, given to him in 2007 for service in Iraq. On Sebastian's third deployment he experienced a traumatic brain injury and thereafter, PTSD.
Initially, Sebastian suffered memory loss and had to relearn a lot of basic functions such as spelling. He had to work extra hard to comprehend information. He also had trouble sleeping. Not only did Sebastian sustain injuries, but he also lost his best friend in Iraq. His PTSD companion dog, Dozer, has helped him through much of the ordeal.
It's been a long and arduous journey, but in spite of it all, Sebastian is working full time, earning a college degree in business, managing a family with his wife and volunteering on programs that can help his fellow veterans. He worked at it until he achieve an IT certificate and job, now working for GCE's Enterprise Information Technology Services (EITS) contract performing quality assurance functions.
The training programs he works on can help countless other veterans for whom he has a deep respect. "Good training and employment programs can help people who are already trying really hard," said Sebastian. "Sometimes they want to give up, but they just need that extra boost."
As for Sebastian, he's so motivated and grateful for the help he's received that he's now focusing on even higher aspirations. "I may work on Capitol Hill one day as a veterans' representative, lobbyist or congressman," he said. For Sebastian, the sky is the limit.
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