From the outbox of Meyer’s inbox
It’s graduation time. Which means a whole new batch of kids will be heading off to college or finishing college and heading off to work. For some special needs employees they’ve already found businesses willing to lend a helping hand by diversifying their staff . Here’s just a few recent examples of honors bestowed to these folks. And if their business are in your neck of the woods, spot by and spread the wealth!
COMPANIES RECOGNIZED FOR HIRING SPECIAL-NEEDS WORKERS
Community businesses have partnered with local school districts to diversify their workforce. The Liberty County Cooperative for Special Education in conjunction with Liberty ISD, Hardin ISD, Hull-Daisetta ISD and Tarkington ISD has established a community partnership with several local businesses to support the Cooperative Employment Experience class.
The Cooperative Employment Experience class is an instructional arrangement/setting for students’ who need direct involvement by special education personnel in order to seek, obtain and retain employment for the implementation of the student’s individual education plan.
The class prepares students with a variety of abilities for employment upon graduation from high school so they may be self-sufficient and independent to the greatest extent possible.
(read the rest here)
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES HONORS TWO BRIDGEPORT RESIDENTS
Two Bridgeport residents recently received awards at the annual Goodwill Awards Luncheon. Auria Maldonado was named Goodwill Graduate of the Year, and William Junget received a Goodwill Achiever of the Year award.
The Goodwill Graduate Award honors individuals with disabilities or other special needs who have completed a Goodwill Industries program and have demonstrated outstanding achievement in attaining competitive employment in the community.
Maldonado, at age 10, suffered an illness that caused an acquired brain injury and resulted in memory loss and paralysis. Her memory gradually returned, and she endured physical therapy sessions to learn how to walk again.
Through Goodwill’s School to Work Transition Program, she participated in vocational exploration activities and now is a kitchen worker at ABCD in Bridgeport. She makes sure students in 10 classrooms receive the proper meals.
(click here for the story)
MAYOR’S COMMITTEE AWARDS HONORS, SCHOLARSHIPS
More than 150 people stood at attention as Shelby Craig sang the “Star Spangled Banner” at The Summerville Mayor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities luncheon on May 5. Craig, who is blind, is a student at Rollings School of the Arts.
The crowd filled the Holiday Inn Express banquet hall to recognize and honor citizens who have risen above challenges to succeed. Scholarships were awarded and honors given to those who support meaningful employment for the disabled.
Among the honorees were:
• NCO Group – Employer of the Year, Large Business
• Firewater Grille – Employer of the Year, Medium Business
• Zachary Ryan Moyer – Employee of the Year. Zachary began as an intern at Piggly Wiggly and when the internship ended, was offered a regular job. Moyer is He is a student at Summerville High School.
(go here for the story)
There’s plenty more stories like these out there. We want to hear about them!
— Meyer
