ACHIEVE CHOSEN TO PARTICIPATE IN FEDERAL PROGRAM
AHRC NASSAU ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Earlier this year, ACHIEVE (Broome, Chenango, Tioga) was selected as one of 13 chapters across the country to participate in the NEON Project, or National Employment Expansion Opportunity Network. The NEON project helps organizations to strengthen their ability and help people with disabilities find jobs. “The focus of the project is to assist people with disabilities in finding competitive integrated employment in their communities,” said Vice President of Programs for ACHIEVE Laura Thompson. Thompson said a key part of the training was being able to build connections and gain insight from people at other chapters across the country. “Being one of the few across the country chosen to do this, I have actually gotten to meet people from chapters across the United States who are also participating in it,” said Thompson. “I get to learn what other states are doing, and I get to learn information I wouldn’t normally have.” The diverse training has encouraged Thompson and the rest of the organization to find new, innovative ways to grow. “The program has assisted me in training our staff. We’ve had several training opportunities,” said Thompson. “It’s assisted in coming up with plans to talk to different employers to focus on customized employment and how to create networks across our community.” The organization had success finding employees for many community businesses and encouraged more to get involved. “We understand there are many businesses who are looking for employees, who are hurting for employees,” said Thompson. “I always tell them we have a workforce who are ready to work.”
IThe Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America- NSASA (NSASA) Executive Director, Suzanne Reek, recently presented a check for $5,000 and two iPads to AHRC Nassau's Director of Employment Services and Social Enterprises Nicky Faranda, to facilitate the training of people with I/DD on meal preparation and culinary skills. This award was made possible through a grant to NSASA by the Department of Labor ETA Community Grant Award. The total grant will be $15,000. AHRC Nassau was also named a "Best-In-State Employer" by Forbes! Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey a total of 70,000 full- or part- time employees across all 50 states and the District of Columbia who work at companies with more than 500 workers nationwide. Participants were asked whether they would recommend their employer to friends and family, and to evaluate their employer based on criteria including working conditions, diversity, compensation packages, potential for development and company image. Way to go, AHRC Nassau!
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