This article originally appeared in the Fall 2026 issue of NEWZ, our print newsletter.
A serious injury left Lonnie requiring a hip replacement. Before the injury, Lonnie had worked on his feet all day as a chef. But now, he had to start over. He needed work that fit both his skills and his new physical reality, and he needed a place willing to give him that chance.
That search led him to SOAR365. More than two decades later, he is still here— thriving in a new career that combines logistics and IT.
Through SOAR365’s Business Solutions team and its partnership with Source America and the AbilityOne Program, Lonnie built more than a job. He built a career that continues to grow.
“Right away, SOAR365 gave me the opportunity to learn typing and computer skills,” he says. “From that day on, they’ve been behind me supporting what I do the whole entire time.”
The transition wasn’t easy. Moving from the kitchen to a desk job meant learning several new skills. What began as warehouse-based work—moving furniture and supporting basic logistics—has grown into a highly skilled operation. Today, Lonnie helps track and manage computers, monitors, and other equipment across Fort Lee. He also helped design systems that improved how that work is done.
“We automated their equipment system,” he says. “We’ve come a very long way.”
Lonnie serves as a Lead Expediter at Fort Lee, where he leads a team of three individuals with disabilities and helps manage critical equipment operations across multiple buildings. As a leader, Lonnie focuses on helping his team build confidence and skills.
“I don’t grow without my team,” he says. “If I’m moving forward, they’re going to move forward with me.”
He tailors his approach to each person’s strengths and challenges. “If you can understand someone’s disability and show compassion, you can help them see something they might not even see in themselves,” he says.
Lonnie knows people with disabilities are often underestimated—but he has seen what happens when they’re given opportunity.
“Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you can’t do the job,” he says. “If you give us a chance, we’ll come through.”
To learn more about SOAR365’s partnership with SourceAmerica and the Ability One Program, click here.
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