Published in 2010

Ana Quinteros has been the crew supervisor at Blue Skies Janitorial Services for ten years. She has trained hundreds of clients who are recovering from mental illness to take pride in work well done, to support each other on the job, and to learn as much as possible about all facets of janitorial work. It's no easy task. Clients face a number challenges. Many haven't worked for years, others are recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. Some are still struggling with mental illness, and some have been homeless.

Tough work?

Ana shrugs. "I usually don't have any problems."

Meet the crew

Blue Skies Janitorial is one of three social enterprises operated by Buckelew Programs, an innovative nonprofit organization that creates homes, jobs, and hope for people with mental illness. It operates on the premise that, like most people, those with mental illness feel better about themselves when they are engaged in meaningful occupation. Crews are made up of 4-6 individuals who spend about four months learning all aspects of janitorial work, beginning with "soft skills"-things like getting to work on time, dressing appropriately, and taking supervision.

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Grady has been part of the crew for three months. "The thing I love about Blue Skies is it prepares you for the real world," he says. "I love my work. I like the teamwork, I like getting to know each other and moving along with a good flow. It builds me up to get out there and get the job done."

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Richard says that working regular hours, four days a week, on the crew has given him a new outlook on life. "I'd rather get up at 7:30 and come to work in the morning than stay up all night like I used to. When I come to work, believe it or not, I'm at peace and I'm happy. It's like I'm married to the job. I can see another successful day has been completed."

Jobs and recovery go hand-in-hand

Buckelew has been able to expand its enterprises and achieve sustainable success thanks, in part, to the financial backing and business assistance it receives from REDF, the only California-based organization to receive funding from the federal Social Innovation Fund. REDF has helped employ more than 5,500 people in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Blue Skies staff witnesses how jobs give structure to the lives of people with mental illness, integrating them into the community and short-circuiting the isolation that often exacerbates their symptoms. Jobs emphasize a person's strengths rather than their disabilities. People become physically stronger, with more energy and self esteem.

What are Ana's strategies for supervising people who, if not for Blue Skies Janitorial, might have a hard time finding their ways into the workforce? "Everyone's different," she answers. "After three weeks, I know them pretty well. They all want to work. That's why they're here. I accept who they are and expect the most from them."