When Eugene Lene first joined Lanakila Grounds Services in 2014, he was quiet and kept to himself. Today, Eugene leads a crew of team members at Tripler Army Medical Center, one of our largest contract sites.
As a team leader, Eugene conducts daily safety briefings, plans the maintenance schedule, monitors equipment, and mentors new staff on the tools and techniques needed to keep the grounds in top shape.
“Eugene is an inspiration to all of us,” said John Oda, Lanakila Grounds Services Manager. “He trains the guys well and creates a positive environment. His leadership has made a huge difference for the team.”
Eugene says he didn’t expect to be offered a leadership role, but he’s proud of how far he’s come. “It makes me happy every day when we finish our work and look back at how good it looks,” he shared. “I like teaching others and helping them succeed, too.”
His journey reflects the career pathways made possible through SourceAmerica’s AbilityOne Program. By creating federal contract jobs for individuals with disabilities, AbilityOne makes it possible for Lanakila Pacific to provide meaningful employment, offering the tools, support, and encouragement to help employees like Eugene build skills, confidence, and independence.
Eugene’s advice for others facing challenges is simple: “Never give up on yourself. Keep pushing and believe in yourself. Every day will get better.”
Every lawn trimmed and flowerbed maintained at Tripler represents training, teamwork, and opportunities. To learn more about Lanakila Grounds Services and how it supports job training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, visit lanakilapacific.org/maintenance-services.