At Garten, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to work with dignity, build skills, and take pride in contributing to their community. That’s why we’re proud to be part of the AbilityOne Program, one of the nation’s largest sources of employment for people with disabilities. Through AbilityOne, doors of opportunity have opened not only for our employees, but for our entire organization.

What is the AbilityOne Program?

The AbilityOne Program is a federal initiative designed to create employment for people with significant disabilities. It operates by connecting federal contracts with nonprofit agencies—like Garten—that employ and support individuals with disabilities, creating inclusive employment opportunities in Oregon.

With the help of SourceAmerica, one of the program’s central nonprofits, AbilityOne ensures that federal agencies receive essential products and services while empowering thousands of people with meaningful, stable work.

Why AbilityOne Matters

Employment is more than just a paycheck; It’s a path to independence, confidence, and community. Yet people with disabilities often face higher unemployment rates and fewer opportunities. Programs like AbilityOne and nonprofits like Garten provide employment services for people with disabilities that change that reality.

On a national level, the program provides jobs for nearly 40,000 people who might otherwise be overlooked. Locally, its impact is seen in the way employees gain job skills, build lasting careers, and experience a sense of pride in their contributions. For businesses and government partners, it’s also a win: they receive high-quality, reliable services while knowing their dollars are making a difference.

AbilityOne at Garten: A Local Impact

Here at Garten, AbilityOne has become an essential part of our mission. Across our business units, the program has created jobs in areas like custodial services, landscaping, and document destruction.

Dozens of our employees have found stable, fulfilling work thanks to AbilityOne. In turn, these jobs strengthen our organization, allowing us to deliver excellent services while investing in our workforce.

The Walker Brothers

Meet brothers Benny, Clint, and James. The Walker brothers are one of many AbilityOne success stories at Garten Services, showing how inclusive employment opportunities can lead to stable careers. They’ve worn many hats across the company, and today, they bring their talent and teamwork to our landscaping department.

Thanks to the support of AbilityOne, these brothers have built stable careers and supported their family. You can see them here working on the Corvallis EPA, thanks to the work created by AbilityOne. Rain or shine, they show up, give their best, and get the job done. Their loyalty, drive, and positive attitude embody Garten’s mission to increase society’s awareness of human potential.

More Than Employment

The real power of AbilityOne goes beyond job creation. It’s about what happens when people are given the chance to contribute. Confidence grows. Families feel pride. Communities see inclusion in action.

At Garten, we’ve witnessed firsthand how AbilityOne changes lives. Employees who once doubted their own abilities now take the lead in their teams, discover new skills, and build meaningful connections with coworkers and customers. That ripple effect reaches far beyond our doors.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to expand our participation in AbilityOne, we remain committed to creating even more opportunities for people with disabilities. The program aligns perfectly with our mission: To support people with disabilities in their efforts to contribute to the community through employment, career, and retirement opportunities.

How You Can Help

You can support AbilityOne and its mission by:

• Learning more about the program and sharing its impact.
• Partnering with Garten for business services that create local jobs.
• Continue to follow our upcoming AbilityOne blog series during National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October.

Together, we can keep opening doors, one opportunity at a time.