People with disabilities thrive when they have a job that fits their skills, interests, and needs. Rise supports people to put those pieces together. For Ade Koleosho, True Friends Camp Eden Wood has become that perfect fit!

Located in Eden Prairie, MN, True Friends Camp is a nonprofit organization providing experiences for children and adults with disabilities. They offer many activities including camping, retreats, team building, therapy, adaptive riding, and more.

Ade, 33, has been served by Rise since 2012. When it came time to find a job, he knew what he wanted. He made sure to tell the team, “I want a cleaning job!” When someone served by Rise is ready to begin working, they are connected to an Employment Consultant. Currently, Ade is supported by his Employment Consultant, Angela Nueske. Angela is passionate about helping people like Ade find the right job, not just any job. “Trying to find a job for the first time can be very hard,” she explains. “It might take a few tries at different jobs along the way to discover their skills.” For Ade, those other jobs included shredding paper and janitorial work in an office building.

Ade is a custodian at True Friends Camp. He is responsible for cleaning restrooms, sweeping and mopping floors, and Ade’s favorite task – washing windows. “There are a lot of windows here!” he says. Working in a place where he feels he belongs has helped Ade discover his strengths. He describes himself by saying, “I am a hard worker. I love to work.” In addition, Angela has observed that, “He’s a thorough listener. He’s eager to help and willing to correct his mistakes.”

As an employment consultant, Angela gives her guidance and support through every step of the employment journey. Ade appreciates Angela’s consistent support and when he sees her each week he says, “I have a happy, happy, happy face.” During each shift, Ade follows a checklist, carefully going through his tasks side-by-side with Angela to ensure everything is in order. Angela makes sure Ade is comfortable with each job that he is assigned to while also helping to keep him on track during his shifts. With all of his tasks, “He always double-checks his work, and has a great attitude. He gives his best effort every shift,” Angela says.

Ade has recently reached the milestone of one year working at True Friends Camp. Not only has Ade found a job that fits him, but he also has the extra bonus of gaining a supportive community at work. Angela says, “He was the star of his work party. He’s a social butterfly!” Ade’s energy makes the workplace more enjoyable for everyone. Sarah, Ade’s manager at True Friends shares, “Ade is an enthusiastic worker and brings an excited energy to the hospitality team at Camp Eden Wood. Ade’s positive attitude has a contagious effect on any guests, campers, and staff members that cross his path.”

In addition to his weekly shift at True Friends Camp, Ade goes to Rise’s Crystal location for life enrichment programs every day. He especially loves art classes with Rise’s art therapist and group outings, especially to the Mall of America.

In his free time, Ade loves to practice math and spelling. He also enjoys doing crossword puzzles, knitting, and he adds, “I love to sing!”