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by Winston Clements
When I spoke with Jamie, I could hear the pride in her voice as she described her work. For the past five years, she has served as a mail clerk in the IRS mailroom in Nashville, which she affectionately calls a “mini post office.” The role keeps her busy and engaged, and from the way she talks about it, it is clear this is her dream job.
Jamie’s path to the IRS began through an unexpected connection. Years earlier, she managed a Family Dollar store where one of her part-time employees was a woman who would later become her manager at the IRS mailroom. Remembering Jamie’s work ethic, that former colleague encouraged her to take the opportunity. It took some convincing, but Jamie eventually agreed, and she has never looked back.
The transition required patience and a lot of learning. Jamie had to get comfortable with new systems and technology, and BDI provided the right support to help her succeed. One simple but meaningful accommodation was a refrigerator in the office so she could safely store her insulin. Her team also shows great flexibility with her medical appointments, creating a workplace where everyone looks out for each other.
For Jamie, that support has made a real difference. Compared to the physically demanding jobs she held in the past, her mailroom role is easier on her health and allows her to better manage her medical needs. She feels cared for, both by her colleagues and by the systems that BDI and the AbilityOne Program put in place to help her thrive.
At the same time, Jamie has grown in confidence and skills. She has learned new computer programs, mastered technology she once found intimidating, and embraced the chance to keep learning alongside her co-workers. She loves the family-like atmosphere, where birthdays are celebrated, milestones are shared, and every day brings a sense of belonging.
Jamie encourages others, especially those living with health conditions, not to count themselves out. The job was not created for her. She stepped into a role that needed to be filled, and that makes her feel valued. As she puts it, “This has been an awesome journey, and I want others to know they can do it too.” Jamie looks forward to what the future holds, whether that means continuing in the mailroom or stepping into leadership one day.
