By O’Landrin Vaughn
In January of 2022, I attended the circle at RecycleForce along with Robin Duncan from Brookside Community Church to seek employment. Once leaving the circle, I looked at the facility and did not relate to the work. Soon after, Robin informed me that I did not qualify for the program due to my felony case being federal.
For a year, I was out of work and my background made it difficult to find employment. Then one day, I received a phone call from Keys2Work with an offer to be a driver of a van for the outside crew. I accepted and so began my journey.
My journey with Keys2Work began as a driver. My simple duty when I was hired was to drive safely. At the end of my first month driving, I had an accident where I was struck by a truck in the van with another crew member in the vehicle. After the accident, I was assigned to be inside the building for light duty where I was given the opportunity to see what resources and trainings were available to the participants that come into this program.
During this time, I received nine certificates in a week and a half. I was then able to return to driving after completing physical therapy. Upon returning, I began to look for ways to help the Litter Crew run more effectively and efficiently. I asked for log sheets to document information related to the vans along with new ways of recording the crew members that showed up each day and what their work habits were. I began inquiring about what resources and barriers they each struggled.
Remembering that the majority of the crew members completed the programs through RecycleForce and the ABC goal of Any job, Better job, Career, I wanted to help them see the possibility of more for themselves as well as myself. This transformed my life as well as others. More and more, I started witnessing good things happening for crew members and how other staff members were made available to them for assistance. I was promoted to Supervisor of Contract Accounts and brought on as full time staff. As full time staff, my goal is to find and close any gaps between entering the program and finding sustainable employment as well as additional resources each participant may need. I have been supported by my peers and love the organization as a whole; I believe in what we do.
I have always wanted to make a difference in the world and since coming to RecycleForce and Keys2Work, I see that happening one case at a time. I feel truly blessed to be in an environment with other who share the vision of Mr. and Mrs. Keesling. My goals are to be a part of expanding this vision across Indiana, and hopefully the United States.