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Partners in Progress – Meet Amanda
October was National Disability Employment Awareness Month, celebrating and reminding us of all that people with disabilities can and do contribute to the workforce and work place. Partners In Progress exists to create and support employment opportunities for all. Their mission statement reads, “Partners in Progress empowers individuals with disabilities to succeed.” They accomplish this by providing training, opportunities and support, and serving both the employer and employee. Partners In Progress has been able to assist individuals to obtain long term employment, as well as providing employers with high quality, hard-working employees.
One such relationship between PIP and employer exists with Mansfield University’s Dining Services. Linda Sweeley, who is the General Manager of Dining Services at MU, reached out to PIP to express the desire for employees. These job opportunities proved to be a great fit for a few individuals! Ken Smith, the Director of Community Services for Partners in Progress, explained that a smooth relationship with the employer is paramount to the job development experience. Both Linda and Ken expressed how easily the process was accomplished in their case.
One particular employee, Amanda Starkweather, shared a little bit of her employment story. She started by signing up with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. From there she found out about the job opening at MU Dining Services, for which she applied online. Amanda was able to have a working interview which assessed whether the position would be a good fit, and after that she was hired! She went through a training process with the help of Sarah Weiskopff (Employment Specialist with PIP). Amanda now has experience at all the various areas of the dining hall, and is enjoying her work as a key member of the staff.
Amanda’s example is just one of the many successful placements by Partner’s in Progress. Their work is benefitting individuals with disabilities, as well employers, throughout Tioga County. For more information visit their website where you can find their location, contact information, and employment opportunities.
Credits:
Idea/Concept: Amiee Jones
Videography: Andrew Moore
Video Editing: Andrew Moore
Writing: Amiee Jones
Anchor: Rhonda Pearson
Correspondent: Amiee Jones
Produced by Vogt Media
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