Captain Goodwill: "People with disabilities are like superheroes to me"

Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana is one of the largest employers of people with disabilities in Indiana and part of SourceAmerica's nonprofit network. That is where you will find Captain Goodwill and the man who created the clever, cleaning comic. Adonis Moncrief is the illustrator behind the empowering superhero, but after reading some of the heartfelt words from his colleagues, it is easy to see, they are one and the same.

Adonis Moncrief's Career Advancement

Adonis joined Goodwill in 2014 through the Janitorial Training Program, where he demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill. After successfully completing the program, he began working as a part-time janitor on an AbilityOne® Program contract.

"Adonis began his journey in November 2014 … as a quiet, shy individual who appeared a bit hesitant," Breeanna Bongayan Pea, Senior Director of Talent Management for Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, said. "However, his eagerness to learn and desire to succeed were evident from the start."

After a short time, Adonis was promoted to a full-time janitor. His remarkable work ethic and commitment to excellence led to his transfer to another AbilityOne contract, where he thrived, demonstrating independence and reliability.

"Over time, I had the privilege of witnessing Adonis come out of his shell, gaining confidence not just in his janitorial and work skills but as a person. He began interacting with others more confidently, displaying less hesitation, and exceeding expectations throughout the program. His hard work led to his placement in AbilityOne, where he continued to excel," Bongayan Pea said.

In 2018, recognizing his aspirations, Adonis was promoted from a janitorial position to a mailroom clerk, where he effectively managed operations and communicated professionally with federal employees and delivery services. His proactive approach led to his appointment as mailroom supervisor in December 2023, a role he has excelled in, even training others on mailroom procedures.

Adonis advanced from a direct labor employee on an AbilityOne contract to a leadership role within Goodwill on a different AbiltyOne contract. His journey reflects upward mobility within the AbilityOne Program as well as the mission of promoting individuals with disabilities into leadership positions. He has continually sought growth opportunities.

Creating Captain Goodwill

Adonis has made significant contributions to Goodwill's workplace, most notably through his innovative approach to safety training. In 2019, he authored and illustrated a comic novel featuring "Captain Goodwill," a character designed to promote safety awareness. This engaging comic became a training document for our AbilityOne Program employees, transforming conventional safety training into a more captivating experience for his peers. By making safety relatable and fun, Adonis educated and inspired his fellow AbilityOne teammates.

"My job means everything to me. I wouldn’t be able to have the things I have, such as a roof over my head, clothes, shoes, and art supplies, without Goodwill and AbilityOne," Adonis said.

Advocating for People with Disabilities

In September 2024, Adonis attended the Grassroots Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., an annual event that brings together employees with disabilities, their families, and employers from SourceAmerica's network of AbilityOne providing agencies. At the conference, self-advocates, like Adonis, share their stories with members of Congress, giving personal examples of how policies made in Washington, D.C. impact employment opportunities for people with disabilities nationwide.

"People with disabilities are like superheroes to me. Never give up on your dreams. Keep trying, never stop," Adonis said.

Read more about Adonis Moncrief and Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana.

Shawn Wolfgram is the Senior Director of AbilityOne and Contracts at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana. Sam Stockman is a design coordinator at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana. Hannah Young is public relations manager at SourceAmerica.