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When I interviewed Mary Williams, I was struck by her strength, humility, and deep sense of purpose. Her path was not easy. Overnight, her career came to a halt. Years earlier, while serving as an assistant registrar at the University of Georgia, she suffered a serious back injury that left her disabled. At the same time, she was raising a large family and navigating the loss of independence that often follows disability.
Instead of stepping away from work completely, Mary started over. With the help of the Department of Labor, she began updating her resume and building back her confidence. That process led her to Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) and an opportunity at Fort Benning Military Base.
Today, Mary works as a call-taker and desk clerk with the police department at Fort Benning. Her job keeps her busy. She manages reception, takes non-emergency calls, provides community information, and processes data entry for weapons registration and police reports. It’s a 12-hour shift, but she likes the routine and the responsibility. As she told me, the work gives her a sense of purpose and connection.
By offering safe conditions and support, BDI and the AbilityOne Program helped create space for Mary to succeed. Her role allows her the flexibility to sit or stand as her back requires. She has a supportive chair and a team that encourages her to take breaks when needed. Beyond the physical accommodations, Mary has found a culture of compassion. When she lost her son and later her husband, her colleagues and leaders at BDI made sure she had the time and understanding she needed.
Through ongoing training, Mary has kept up with new systems, technologies, and the fast pace of police department operations. She continues to learn and adapt, and she now shares that experience with others. She has become a mentor to younger colleagues, offering practical guidance and sharing lessons from her own career and life.
When I asked her about her perspective on BDI and the AbilityOne Program, Mary was clear: for her, the job is more than a paycheck. “It’s a ministry,” as she puts it. Through AbilityOne and BDI Mary found a steady work, a supportive environment, and a way to serve her community.
