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The Sequoias' Housekeeping Manager Desinse March (r) counts on her team from The Arc to stay on top of laundry for over 300 residents.
“My Hardest Workers”—Interview at The Sequoias
The Arc’s housekeeping crew is part of a large staff that maintains clean linen for over 300 residents at The Sequoias, a life-care facility located on Geary Street in San Francisco. We spoke with Manager Denise March about the value of having employees from The Arc on her team.
Q. How did The Arc get started with The Sequoias?
A. Our Human Resources Director knew people from The Arc and introduced us to the idea of hiring people with developmental disabilities. It was new to us, so we had an in-service training and tried to educate everyone here about their new co-workers. It was helpful; we were very comfortable when the clients began working for us.
Q. How long have clients from The Arc been in your department?
A. It’s been over 10 years! I can’t believe it’s that long.
Q. Can you tell us about the work they do for you?
A. It’s mostly folding, stacking and storing the linen; all the bedding, towels, tablecloths, etc. There is a high volume of work to be done, but they are always on top of it.
Q. Are there advantages to working with a team of clients from The Arc?
A. I would say definitely. They stay, and they are very reliable—attendence is near perfect. If someone does get sick, the Job Coach arranges a substitute so I never have to worry about the work getting done. They know their routine, they’re eager to do their jobs—they’re my hardest workers. If I have any issues, I just talk with their Job Coach and we straighten things out.
Q. How do the clients fit in?
A. They are a part of the community. We take breaks, eat lunch and have birthday parties together. I think the clients add something to the diverse culture we have at The Sequoias. They’ve been here a long time and everyone knows them—even the residents. They fit in like family here.