Thank you for reaching out and sharing your concerns regarding your experience with our Gateway Placement Service. We take all feedback seriously and appreciate the opportunity to address this matter. To address review from Ms. Jackie, we arranged a Work Experience Training opportunity with Dollar Tree. Unfortunately, it has been challenging to pair Janelle with a suitable Job Skills Trainer (JST). We initially assigned three different job coaches, all of whom eventually stepped down due to difficulties with Janelle’s behavior, which included consistently refusing to follow directions, abandoning tasks before completion, and occasionally disrupting staff and management when dissatisfied with a situation However, Janelle’s mother, Ms. Jacky, contacted our job skills trainer expressing dissatisfaction with the training methods and attempting to dictate specific aspects of her daughter’s training. This conversation escalated, leading to the JST’s resignation from the assignment. It is important to emphasize that my communication with Janelle remained professional, constructive, and free of malice. My primary focus has always been on supporting Janelle’s growth and success. All decisions regarding her case were made with her best interests in mind, and I sincerely hope she finds an opportunity that aligns with her skills and goals.

It is concerning and disappointing to see such a lack of empathy and understanding from an operator of a Gateway Placement Service. As an older individual, it is important for Carolyn Price to use her experience and wisdom to guide and support younger individuals, rather than threatening them or withholding help. Compassion and empathy are important qualities to have, especially in a position where one is meant to assist and uplift others with disabilities. It is important for all individuals, regardless of age, to strive for understanding and compassion towards others in order to create a more supportive and caring community. It was clear that Carolyn’s behavior was not only unkind, but also manipulative and harmful. She displayed a lack of reliability, respect, honesty, and professionalism. Her constant criticism, demands, impatience, and insults were detrimental to the work environment and her client well-being. It is important to address and confront such toxic behavior in the workplace.