Certified Cleaning Concepts at the Detroit Zoo

Since 2007, Certified Cleaning Concepts, a Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit
business, has been contracted by the Detroit Zoo to provide custodial services to
select exhibits, meeting areas and offices across the facility. The arrangement has been a true win-win for both parties, providing jobs and training for Goodwill
clients and meeting a practical need as efficiently as possible for the Zoo.
John Anderson, director of park operations at the Detroit Zoo, says, "Our partnership with Goodwill has been excellent. We work together as one team. The Certified Cleaning Concepts crew is courteous and their work is precise. We are very thankful for the role they play in supporting this great institution. "Goodwill and the Zoo are kindred spirits. Both are treasured community resources that improve quality of life and make Detroit a better place to be. Both also serve as a sort of crossroads... nearly everyone has been to the Zoo, and increasingly, nearly everyone knows someone who has been impacted by Goodwill's programs and services. The partnership with the Zoo began three years ago and was inspired by the success of Goodwill's role in Downtown Detroit Partnership's Clean Downtown initiative. Bennie Brazil supervises the nine-member Certified Cleaning Concepts team that works at this location and says they've accomplished a great deal in just a short time. He shares, "When we began the contract out here, the conditions were not at the highest standard. Maintenance and cleaning were not up to the level we've established now. So, we had our work cut out for us." Bennie continues with a smile, "But that was fine, really, because I think we all like a challenge!"
Walking through the Ford Education Center where the Zoo's new 3D/4D
theater is set to open this summer, Bennie encourages his staff. As construction
wraps up, they admire the building and consider the responsibility they'll have to
keep the space looking pristine. The crew responds warmly. The atmosphere is
light. In a real sense, the way they interact comes across more like a fun-loving
family than a group of co-workers. They accept each other. They are inspired by
each other. They understand each other's stories. Goodwill creates employment opportunities that lead to independence. We give hope to people even when the situation seems hopeless. For more information go to: www.goodwilldetroit.org

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Goodwill
• Detroit
• Industries
• Certified
• Cleaning
• Concepts
• employment
• training
• barriers
• trained
• trusted
• ready
• to
• work
• Zoo
• animals