The value of work
Sean Quigley knows the value in a day’s work — and wants to help others gain that sense of accomplishment in a job well done, regardless of mental, emotional or physical disabilities. “We all get worth out of what we do,” he said. “We all take pride in our work.”
Quigley is the founder of On Our Own Services, a nonprofit that provides jobs for individuals who are often overlooked. The organization also offers needed training and guidance so those with disabilities can find success in the workplace.
“It’s a proven fact that for someone who works, the amount of hospitalizations, medical problems and other issues are dramatically reduced,” he said. “It’s all from having employment, from having a feeling of self-worth from going to work.”
Quigley has seen the results firsthand. His twin brother, Ian, has an intellectual disability.
Their mother died when they were 22 years old, leaving Quigley with the responsibility to care for his brother, who had aged out of the public school system.
“When I took guardianship of my brother, the only thing available to him was working in an assembly line, making sub-minimum wage,” he said. “You just get paid for what you produce.”
Anytime Ian got a job, he would lose it, Quigley explained.
“They didn’t have support for people with disabilities,” he said.
Quigley has spent the past 30 years working to change outcomes for his brother and others like him.
It all started in 1988, when Quigley found a sheltered workshop, an organization that employs people with disabilities. He found a space for his brother — and joined as a trainer himself.
The facility was in north Houston and workers made and packaged a number of items, from hula hoops to kites. A couple of years later, the work expanded to include janitorial jobs for the state of Texas.
In 1991, the state changed its funding formula, and the sheltered workshop was about to close.
“I didn’t know what to do with myself, and I didn’t know what I’d do with my brother,” Quigley said.
He ended up taking over the business, and On Our Own Services was born. At the time, he was only able to employ about half of the individuals who were at the workshop.
Then, Texas Industries for the Blind and Handicapped, now known as WorkQuest, signed over contracts to On Our Own Services. Duties included mowing grass and picking up litter at parks, along roadways and at state rest areas.
The company expanded throughout Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria and Galveston counties.
“We went from 56 employees to 160,” Quigley said. “We instantly tripled our operations. It was a major learning curve.”
The nonprofit set up offices in Dallas, San Antonio and Austin.
By 2005, however, things took a turn for the worse. A number of workers’ compensation issues were making finances a top concern again.
“We were almost out of business,” Quigley said.
He found a loss prevention expert at Texas Mutual who helped the organization sort out operations and work smarter and safer, eliminating jobs that were dangerous, like picking up litter on busy roadways.
“It helped us to really look at the work that we were doing and see if it was suited for the individuals we were working with,” Quigley said.
By 2006, On Our Own Services was back in action, gaining full facility management for a number of rest areas in Texas. The nonprofit added mowing more property for the city of Houston to its list of available jobs.
Last year, the nonprofit paid $3.5 million in wages to individuals with disabilities.
“We’re back up to 365 employees,” Quigley said. “And it’s very rewarding to get up every morning and go to work and provide so many opportunities for people with disabilities.”
He added that at least 20 staff members have been with the nonprofit for 15 years or more.
Quigley said some clients are only able to work one day a week. On Our Own Services is able to split one position up, in some cases, with three individuals taking turns.
“One day per week can give someone the drive, something to look forward to,” Quigley said.
The nonprofit works with individuals who have depression, bipolar disorder schizophrenia, antisocial behaviors and learning disabilities, as well as physical challenges.
“People who don’t fit in other environments work very well in our structure,” Quigley said.
On Our Own Services also has an outplacement program, helping people get jobs with other companies.
Quigley hopes to continue to expand the nonprofit’s reach, helping both the highest and lowest functioning individuals.
“We want to provide as many opportunities as possible,” he said.
Serenna Pillow has been a fan of Quigley’s since he took over the workshop and created On Our Own Services years ago.
Quigley has employed her brother the entire time, she explained.
Pillow added that other groups charge to provide work for individuals with disabilities. Instead, her brother is able to earn a wage and contribute.
“They make money, and they feel good about themselves,” she said. “They know they’re helping pay, and they’re excited to do it.”
Pillow said her brother looks forward to heading out to jobs with On Our Own Services.
“If my brother didn’t have the work, he’d be home every day,” she said. “He’s happy with the work. He likes it, and he likes the people he works with. It keeps his mind active.”