Florida Grantor 2 Friends of the Able Trust

lorida GranTOR F • Official Publication of The Able Trust www.abletrust.org Winter 2010 Advocacy, Access, & Achievement:

2 President’s Letter A Florida High School/High Tech Graduate Secures Employment Inspire and Be Inspired at the Pentagon 3 2010 Ability Celebration 4 Project Impact: Creating a Generation of Change through Awareness & Action 5 Florida Youth Leadership Forum 2010 The Journey Begins 6 Grants for 2nd Quarter 2010 6 2009 DMD Financial Awards 7 Florida Disability Mentoring Day: Making Dreams of Employment a Former High School/High Tech graduate Tiffany Ramos is now a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University. Her path to employment began with job-shadowing opportunities and internships through HS/HT. Reality

8 Recipe for Success iffany Ramos is the most recent in a long line of success stories to come out of the Florida High School/High Tech (HS/HT) program. Thanks to her dedica- Grantee Spotlight T 9 tion, Tiffany has something that many in our country are desperately searching 10 American Express Joins the Mission for; a job.

10 Thank you, Darden Restaurants At an early age, Tiffany realized she would have to advocate for herself in order to achieve her dreams. She joined the Lee County HS/HT Program – administered by Make a Donation to The Able Trust 11 Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida, Inc. – when she was 16 years old. While 12 Upcoming Events enrolled in the program, Tiffany participated in The Able Trust’s Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) during the summer and secured job shadowing opportunities dur- 12 Memorial Gifts ing the school year. Tiffany was exposed to the careers fields of Communications and Public Relations through a mentorship at Clear Channel Radio, and through job shadowing at a local non profit. She became a peer mentor, and serves as an inspiration to Florida’s high school students with disabilities.

“I consider myself a self-determination educator who provides presentations to parents, educators and students in order for people with disabilities to know their rights in attaining an appropriate education,” Tiffany said.

Today, Tiffany is a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. Through the Work Recruitment Program (WRP) -- which is dedicated to finding nationwide federal occupations for recent college students with disabilities -- Tiffany was linked to a telecommunications directorate located in Washington D.C. at the Pentagon. What began as a summer work experience has expanded into an internship with the possibility of becoming a permanent occupation. Tiffany’s future employment goals are to obtain a permanent position in the telecommunications directorate and to eventually specialize in the area of public relations.

“HS/HT has impacted me by improving my advocacy and leadership skills. Due

B E C A U S E P E O P L E WANT T O W ORK to the HS/HT program, I learned to advocate for myself which strengthened my The Able Trust’s mission is to be the leader personal, academic and employment growth,” Tiffany said. in providing Floridians with disabilities fair employment opportunities through fund raising, grant programs, public awareness and education. A Message from the President Inspire and Be Inspired

B E C A U S E P E O P L E WANT T O W ORK BOARD OF DIRECTORS ne of the greatest benefits of my job is the daily inspiration I enjoy, and all the “eureka moments” that Chair O Bridget R. Pallango, MBA, Miami come so regularly. Recently The Able Trust developed a video as a part of its 2010 public awareness campaign, Vice Chair Richard L. Cole, Jr., Esq., The Villages entitled “Look at My Ability”. The five inspiring models who lent their stories and faces to this campaign shared Secretary Jeannie Amendola, Lake Buena Vista background that is truly remarkable, and reaffirms our be- lief that people with disabilities have many, many talents, Treasurer talents that contribute greatly to their organizations and in- Jason E. Havens, Esq., Niceville deed inspire not only the staff of The Able Trust, but those that work with them at their place of business. Eladio Amores, MS, Sarasota Robert A. Butterworth, Esq., Ft. Lauderdale Bryan Vaughan is one of the stars of our video. He has MS and is legally blind, and runs the Governor’s Commission on Disabilities with talent and energy J.R. Harding, Ed.D, Tallahassee and expertise that are amazing. Carly Fahey is a college student and works part Barbara G. MacArthur, RN, MN, Tallahassee time to help cover the costs of her education. Always bright and cheerful, Carly inspired her professors and fellow students, who felt she was a teacher herself, raising awareness everywhere she went. Brian Johnson works with the Advo- Ambassadors cacy Center in South Florida, does his work in a wheelchair, is a dynamo at his Bob Billingslea, Orlando job, and admired by his co-workers for the work he produces. Also working Bob Bromberg, Miami from his wheelchair, Enrique Madrinan works extremely effectively in management for the Center for Independent Living in Ft. Lauderdale. He shares how Sherra G. Payne, Plantation he is blessed to have a job, a family, a wife and lives a very good life. He does Nancy Kline, Ft. Walton Beach this with a twinkle and a smile that directs any in his presence to his capabilities, which are extensive. Staff President & CEO Jeannie Amendola works for Walt DisneyWorld in Orlando, and in addition to Susanne Homant, MBA, DPA her leadership position at the corporate headquarters, Jeannie has represented Vice President of Grants Program Walt DisneyWorld worldwide as an Ambassador. Jeannie, who is legally Guenevere Crum blind, works full time and also devotes herself to volunteer activities locally Director of Development & Marketing and serves on The Able Trust Board of Directors as its Secretary. You can hear Natalie Lamb these five individuals talk about being “hired for my abilities” on the video at Financial Manager www.abletrust.org. They represent many others that we meet everyday who Leona Boutwell have been given the opportunity to succeed. They are a part of our message to State Director, Florida HS/HT businesses throughout the state that a great but often forgotten pool of talent Cat Keen exists for business growth as this economy recovers. Assistant Director, Disability Mentoring Program & HS/HT Sally Ash Now for the eureka moments. As we listen to people with disabilities about their challenges and needs we learn many things that may not be generally Assistant Director of Communications & Events Ray Ford, Jr. apparent, simple things that would make life easier, and yes, become good marketing tools for business. One person who was legally blind indicated he pre- Assistant to President & CEO fers to patronize restaurants that have large print menus. Easy to produce, ever Mary Jo Hatala wonder why more restaurants don’t offer that? Another person in a wheelchair Administrative Assistant stated she has several shops where she can’t go, because there is no way to get Alexis C. Garcia her wheelchair between the racks of clothes. So she shops elsewhere, mostly Staff & CONSULTANTS on-line. Another with a right-foot prosthesis told me he limits air travel because there are no vehicles with left-foot controls, so he can’t rent a car and be Regional Endowment Director Michael S. Campbell fully mobile when traveling. He can buy one, but cannot rent one. These are just a few examples of many. The irony is that all of these individuals have suf- State Consultant, Florida HS/HT Donna Mundy ficient discretionary income to shop and spend, and perhaps some changes to accommodate these simple needs would increase spending naturally and surely Contact Us add to the economic recovery of this state. We’d love to hear from you! If you would like to share your disability-related story ideas, events, questions, comments, or are more (Inspire and Be Inspired... continued on page 3) interested in learning about The Able Trust, please call us at (888) 838-2253 or visit our website at www.abletrust.org. Florida Grantor 2 Friends of The Able Trust

Abilities Foundation (Inspire and Be Inspired... continued from page 2) Abilities of Florida, Inc. Ability 1st Businesses that learn to adapt to the needs of these customers have a greater oppor- Accessible Alternatives, Inc. tunity for success because they have expanded their markets. Learning the simple ACT Corporation Action Disability Advocates, Inc. changes that can be made to adjust a business to all of its potential clientele is as Advance Ability Solutions simple as contacting one of the experts in that regard throughout the state, or hiring Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities someone with a disability who will help to identify those changes and spread the AFIRE of Pasco County, Inc. Against All Odds-Macular Degeneration Network word. Businesses that want someone to help them with the process can contact my Agency for Community Treatment Services, Inc. office for recommended individuals, many of whom will provide information at no Agency for Persons with Disabilities charge to the business. Agency for Workforce Innovation Aids Community Project of Tampa Bay American Foundation for Visual Rehabilitation We wish all a great and inspiring 2010! American Habilitation Services, Inc. American with Disabilities Working Group Ann Storck Center, Inc. Kindest regards, Apalachee Center, Inc. ARC, Inc. ARC Alachua County ARC Florida ARC Gadsden Susanne F. Homant, MBA, DPA ARC Gateway, Inc. ARC Glades Area President & CEO ARC Jackson County ARC Madison-Jefferson ARC Marion, Inc. ARC Nassau ARC Nature Coast ARC of Alachua County ARC of Bradford County The Able Trust 2010 Ability Celebration: ARC of Broward ARC of Indian River County Celebrating Success in Employing People with Disabilities - ARC of Martin County ARC of Okeechobee ARC of Palm Beach County Because People Want to Work ARC of Putnam County Arc Ridge Area ARC South Florida, Inc. n honor of those who have ARC St. John’s County, Inc. ARC St. Lucie County Ihelped The Able Trust in ARC Sumter County our mission to provide fair ARC Upper Pinellas ARC Volusia employment opportunities to Archways Behavioral Healthcare Floridians with disabilities, on Association for the Development of the Exceptional Axon Technologies, Inc. May 6 we will host the 2010 Bay Point Schools, Inc. Ability Celebration in Orlando. Bayview Center for Mental Health, Inc. Behavioral Health Services Bethune-Cookman College To date, The Able Trust has Big Bend Workforce Center awarded grants totaling more Blind Americans, Inc. than $25 million, serving citizens Boley Centers for Behavioral Healthcare, Inc. Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Orlando. Brain & Spinal Cord Injury Program in all 67 counties. In 2009, Brain Injury Association of Florida The Able Trust awarded 72 grants totaling more than $2 million dollars for Brevard Achievement Center Brevard Community College community-based employment projects for adults and youth with disabilities. Brevard Public Schools Bristol-Myers Squibb Company Bureau Chief for Medicaid Services To celebrate these accomplishments and honor those who have made them CARC-Advocates for Citizens with Disabilities, Inc. possible, we invite you to join us at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa Caring & Sharing CIL for an evening of fun for a worthy cause. This is The Able Trust’s signature CCAR Services, Inc. CCDH, Inc. event, which generates awareness and volunteer support, and serves as our Celestial Therapeutic & Ornamental Gardens only fundraising venture of the year. Guests will enjoy a fabulous silent Center for Drug Free Living Center for Independence, Technology and Education auction, great dinner and music, and a memorable program featuring various Center for Independent Living of Broward Able Trust program participants and key donors who continue to support Center for Independent Living of Central FL- Polk office Center for Independent Living of Central Florida opportunities for Floridians with disabilities. The evening’s attire will be Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida business casual. Center for Independent Living of Northwest Florida Center for Independent Living of South Florida Center for Independent Living of Southwest Florida For more information about this event, or if you would like to learn more about Center for Independent Living of the Keys sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, contact Natalie Lamb, Director of Center for Positive Connections Center for Space Education Development and Marketing at 850-224-4493, ext. 223 or via e-mail at Natalie@ Center for the Visually Impaired abletrust.org. Or you can visit our website www.abletrust.org to purchase CHAC-Sarasota/Manatee Co. HSHT tickets. Charter School at National Deaf Academy Chipola Junior College Citrus Hearing Impaired Program Services, Inc. Coalition for Independent Living Options, Inc. Communication Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 3 The Able Trust Community Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Community Haven for Adults and Children with Disabilities Creech Engineers, Inc. DAAWG Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services of Pasco/Hernando Co, Inc. Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services of Volusia/Flager Deaf & Hearing Connection for Tampa Bay, Inc. Deaf & Hearing Services of Lake & Sumter Counties Project Impact: Creating a Generation Deaf Service Bureau of West Central Florida Deaf Service Center of Palm Beach County of Change Through Awareness & Action Deaf Service Center of Pasco/Hernando County Deaf Service Center of SW Florida, Inc. Deaf Service Center of the Treasure Coast, Inc. Dept. of Children & Families Dept. of Corrections Dept. of Education Dept. of Education-BISCS Dept. of Elder Affairs Dept. Elder Affairs Employment Programs Unit Dept. of Children and Families Dept. of Veterans Affairs Deputy of Juvenile Justice Developmental Services, Inc. Developmentally Disabled Residential Corp. Division of Blind Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Division of Workers Compensation Division of Workers’ Office DOE/BICS DOT’S WRITE Easter Seal Society of Broward County, Inc. Easter Seals Miami-Dade Easter Seals of Broward County Easter Seals Society of Volusia & Flagler Counties, Inc. Echo Outreach Ministries Eckerd Academy/Eckerd Youth Alternatives Madison County High School/High Tech students participating in a service learning project. Elder Care of Alachua County Emmanuel A.M.E. Zion Church, and Childcare Center hrough a partnership between The Able Trust; the Governor’s Commission Epilepsy Association of Central Florida, Inc. Epilepsy Foundation of NE Florida Ton Volunteerism and Community Service (Volunteer Florida); AmeriCorps Epilepsy Foundation of South Florida State and National Direct Programs; AmeriCorps VISTA; local Volunteer Cen- Epilepsy Foundation of Southwest FL ters and Florida Learn and Serve, nine Florida High School/High Tech (HS/ Escambia HS/HT FAAST HT) programs will partner with AmeriCorps programs across the state result- Fellowship House ing in career exploration, mentoring, job skill development and paid summer FL Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged internships for students with disabilities. In addition, AmeriCorps programs FL Crown Workforce Development Board FL DDC and partner organizations will gain exposure and expertise related to the inclu- FL Dept. of Business and Professional Regulation sion of people with disabilities in service. Florida Aids Action Council Florida Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Inc. Florida Association for the Deaf and Blind, Inc. Students representing local HS/HT programs in Broward, Duval, Lake, Lee, Florida Association of Centers for Independent Living Leon, Madison, Okaloosa, Pinellas and St. Johns Counties will work alongside Florida Capital County Florida Center for the Blind, Inc. AmeriCorps members to develop a service learning project. Each service project Florida Coalition for the Homeless will address a critical community need, and will culminate in commemoration Florida Council for Community Health, Inc. of Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) in April, 2010. Established in 1988, GYSD Florida Council for Community Mental Health, Inc. Florida Crown Workforce Board, Inc. is the largest service event in the world, and is now celebrated in over 100 coun- Florida Crown Workforce Career Center tries. The day mobilizes over three million young people involved in thousands Florida Department of Education of community improvement projects across the country. Florida High School/High Tech Florida Impact Florida Independent Living Council, Inc. Prior service learning projects facilitated through Project Impact have included: Florida Institute of Rehabilitation Education (FIRE) the creation of a butterfly garden for individuals residing at a nursing home, Florida Keys Employment & Training Council Florida Lions Conklin Center for the Blind development of a mural focusing on the success of families transitioning from Florida Medicaid homelessness to independence, refurbishing donated computers for use by Florida Psychiatric Society elderly community residents, clearing of invasive non-native plants and plant- Florida Rehabilitation Association Florida Society of Ophthalmology ing of native species at a Florida State Park and food donation drives to benefit Florida Space Grant Consortium local food banks. Florida’s Voice on Mental Retardation Florida Department of Corrections Foundation for Orange Co. Public Schools, Inc. HS/HT students who engage in service learning through participation in Friends of the Deaf Service Center, Inc. Project Impact gain mentors, while honing leadership skills used to positively Glaxo Smith Kline Global Care Provider Services impact their community. This year will mark the fifth anniversary of The Able Good Hope Equestrian Training Center Trust’s partnership with Volunteer Florida which has provided service learning Goodwill CDC opportunities, mentoring and career exposure for hundreds of students with Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast Goodwill Foundation, Inc. disabilities. Goodwill Heart of Florida Goodwill Industries of Broward Goodwill Industries of Central Florida Goodwill Industries of North Florida Goodwill Industries of South Florida, Inc. Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida Goodwill Industries Suncoast, Inc. Florida Grantor 4 Goodwill Industries-Manasota, Inc. Grove House Supportive Services, Inc. Guardian Angels for Special Populations, Inc. Gulf Coast Community Care Gulfstream Goodwill Industries Habilitation Center for the Handicapped Florida Youth Leadership Forum 2010 - Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County Hardee Association for Retarded Citizens The Journey Begins! Hearing Impaired Persons Heron-Peacock Supported Living HOPE Center lans for the 2010 Florida Youth Hope Haven Children’s Clinic and Family Center Leadership Forum (YLF) have Horses and the Handicapped of South Florida, Inc. P Human Services Council already begun to take shape. Stu- I Can Grow, Inc. dents with disabilities from across Independence for the Blind Independent Living and Resource Center NE Florida the state of Florida have sent in their Independent Living Resource Center of Northeast Florida applications, vying for one of 50 Janssen coveted spots to attend this once-in- Jeff Industries Jewish Association for Residential Care a-lifetime event. Jewish Community Services of South Florida, Inc. La Amistad Foundation, Inc.. “I want to be a participant in this Lakeside Alternatives Lakeview Center Foundation event to meet other people with dis- LARC, Inc. abilities who have overcome many L’Arche Harbor House Latino Leadership, Inc. obstacles regardless of their disabil- Law, Redd, Crona & Munroe, P.A ity,” Michael Mendoza, a first-time League for the Hard of Hearing Life Management Center of Northwest Florida, Inc. applicant said. Jamie Torres, (right) 2009 Homecoming King of West Life Stream Behavioral Center Boca Raton High School. Jamie will be attending the 2010 Lighthouse for the Blind of the Palm Beaches, Inc. Of the many criteria that are factored Florida Youth Leadership Forum as a Junior Staffer. Lighthouse of Broward in to the selection process, the most Lighthouse of Central Florida Lincoln-Marti Community Agency important is leadership potential. One of the main goals of the forum is to Lock Towns Community Mental Health Center, Inc. attract young leaders in hopes of preparing them for the future by cultivating Louise H. Graham Training Center leadership, citizenship, and social skills. Events such as “Capitol Day” – where Loveland Center Inc. MacDonald Training Center, Inc. students participate in a mock session at the Florida Capitol – and the annual MACtown, Inc. career fair and mentors’ luncheon will expose delegates to a new realm of pos- Madison County HSHT sibilities and resources as they approach the age of independence, and life after Madison County School Board Dept, ESE Magellan Health Services high school. Learning about such topics as disability law and advocacy, these Manatee Glens young people will return to their communities and look to help others with dis- Marianne Center Services abilities, making a difference in the lives of those around them. Jamie Torres is Martin Memorial Health System MAXIMUS one of these young people. McDaniel Consulting, L.L.C. Mental Health Association of Palm Beach County Mental Health Care, Inc. Before attending last year’s forum as a first-time delegate, Jamie was very intro- Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired verted. Diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome since birth, Jamie had few friends Miami-Dade Disability Services and Independent Living at his school. Not only did Jamie make new friends at YLF 2009, but he also (DSAIL) Michael D. Cusick & Associates, Inc. became a vocal advocate in his home of Boca Raton. Monroe Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc. Moore Consulting Group, Inc. “I am now a public speaker for the Gold Coast Down Syndrome Organization,” Muscular Dystrophy Association NAMI Florida, Inc. Jamie said. “For Down’s Syndrome Awareness month I made two speeches; NASA one for Genetic Counselors and one for students at my former middle school. I National Multiple Sclerosis (FL Gulf Coast) spoke to them about my life with Down’s Syndrome.” National Multiple Sclerosis Society- Mid FL Chapter National Multiple Sclerosis Society, North Florida Chapter In addition to his advocacy exploits, Jamie was also active in his high school, National Wheelchair Sports Fund and attained an honor that few can boast. New Hope Drop In Center, Inc. New Horizons Community Mental Health Center, Inc. New Horizons of the Treasure Coast, Inc. “I ran for homecoming king, and I won!” Northside Mental Health Center OFCCP Miami Area Office OFCCP Orlando District Office Jamie will be returning to the YLF as a junior staffer this year, along with more Office of Governor Charlie Crist than twenty others. His job will be helping other first-time delegates come out of Office of Health Services Office of the Governor their shell, much as he did when he was in their shoes. He will help to open their Okeechobee Rehabilitation Facility minds to a new realm of possibilities, sowing seeds of independence, awaiting a One Stop Career Center harvest in the form of budding young leaders ready to impact their communities Orange County Public Schools Osceola ARC, Inc. for the better. Palm Bay High School Palm Beach County HS/HT Palm Beach Habilitation Center, Inc. YLF 2010 will take place July 21 - 25 in Tallahassee! Pathways to Independence, Inc. Pensacola Care, Inc. Pensacola Penwheels Visit http://www.abletrust.org/ylf/ for more information. Perdido Bay Tribe, Inc. Pine Castle, Inc. Primrose Center, Inc. Project Special Care 5 The Able Trust Project STAND, Inc. PSI Family Services of Florida, Inc. Pyramid, Inc. Rehabilitation Services, Inc. Remmert Employment Project nd Renaissance Behavioral Health System, Inc. Roe & Associates Integrated Behavior Supports, Inc. Grants for 2 Quarter 2010 Rotary Youth Camp Ruth Rales Jewish Family Service of S. Palm Beach Co. Seacamp Association, Inc. Gratitude House, Inc. Seagull Industries for the Disabled, Inc. Gratitude House, Inc. will receive $40,000 for the Employment program to ex- Self Reliance, Inc. pand the vocational training and placement program for women in treatment/ Seminole Work Opportunity Program SGS graduating by providing a Job Coach and vocational services. Sickle Cell Disease Association of Broward County, Inc. Sickle Cell Disease Association of Florida Small Business Development Center/ FGCU Center for the Visually Impaired Social Security Administration Center for the Visually Impaired will receiving $75,000 for the Visually Im- SOS Children’s Village of Florida paired Training and Assessment for Employment Program, which will provide Southeast Parkinson Disease Association Space Coast Center for Independent Living additional services to clients who are visually impaired or blind and seeking to Special Advisor on Criminal Justice and Mental Health - FL gain and retain employment in a four county area of east central Florida. Supreme Court St. Andrew’s Bay Center Stand Among Friends ARC Palm Beach County Statewide Office of Suicide Prevention FL Office of Drug Control ARC Palm Beach County will receive $48,016 for the It’s Not Just a Good Deed Suncoast Center for Independent Living - It’s Good Business! program, which will continue the Discovery Process as an Suncoast Epilepsy Association, Inc. Suncoast Health Council, Inc. assessment tool and employment placement of individuals with disabilities. Sunrise Cape Coral Cluster Sunrise Community of Polk County Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast Sunrise Community of Southwest Florida Sunrise Community, Inc. Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast will receive $22,950 for the Transition- Sunrise of Pasco County ing to a Brighter Future program, providing transition services to youth aged Sunrise Opportunities, Inc. 15-21 in Okaloosa County looking for school to work assistance in employment Tallahassee Community College Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind skills, training and placement. Taylor County High School Technical & Career Education Technical and Career Education North Florida School The ARC Nature Coast, Inc. North Florida School will receive $33,040 for the SETT - Successful Employ- The ARC of Jacksonville ment Today and Tomorrow program, which will provide classroom and The Center for Independence, Inc. The Governor’s Commission on Disabilities community-based work skills training and assistance for young adults with dis- The Harbor abilities to gain competitive employment in the community or post secondary The Learning Experience School education enrollment. The Spina Bifida Association of Jacksonville, Inc. The Watson Center TLC Landscape Contractors, Inc. Tri-County Community Council, Inc. Tri-County TEC Tyler Institute United Cerebral Palsy of Central Florida United Cerebral Palsy of East Central Florida 2009 DMD Financial Awards United Cerebral Palsy of North Florida United Cerebral Palsy of Northwest Florida ommunity liaisons who organized DMD events were invited to apply for United Cerebral Palsy of Panama City, Inc. United Cerebral Palsy of Sarasota-Manatee & SW Florida Cadditional funding to enhance their 2009 activities. Funds were awarded United Cerebral Palsy of South Florida by The Able Trust and Volunteer Florida, and were used by the sites to expand United Cerebral Palsy of Southwest Florida, Inc. United Cerebral Palsy of Tallahassee partnerships with AmeriCorps Programs, purchase workshop materials and University of South Florida food, rent venues for career fairs or kickoff events, provide transportation for Urban League of Broward County mentees, pay for accommodations such as interpreters, and provide mentee Van Gogh’s Palette, Inc. Veterans Administration stipends for internships with the mentor organization. Victory Living Programs Vincent House Programs serving mentees in Clay, Duval, St. Johns, Baker, Nassau, Polk, Leon, Visual Dialogue Visually Impaired Persons of Southwest Florida Hillsborough, Bay, Gilchrist, Columbia, Dixie, Union, Lee, Okaloosa, Walton, Vocational Rehabilitation and Palm Beach Counties received financial awards as part of an initiative to Volunteer Florida Foundation encourage local DMD participation. Additionally, project coordinators compet- Volunteer Jacksonville, Inc. VSA Arts of Florida ed in a statewide contest for matching the most mentors and mentees in their Walton County ARC market region. Winning this distinction were Okaloosa/Walton DMD, Duval Washington/Holmes ARC Area DMD, Panhandle DMD, Tallahassee Area DMD, Madison County High WAVE The Workshop for Adult Vocational Enrichment Wellcare School DMD, Palm Beach County DADEO/DMD Program, Central Florida Woodland Hall Academy/Dyslexia Research Institute DMD Program and the Putnam County High School DMD. Congratulations to Workforce Alliance, Inc. the coordinators of these programs! Workforce Development Board Workforce Development Board of Okaloosa & Walton Counties Workforce Florida Working Solutions

Florida Grantor 6 Florida Disability Mentoring Day: Making Dreams of Employment a Reality

lorida Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) is an annual job shadowing opportunity for stu- Fdents and job seekers with disabilities, and is part of a national initiative sponsored by the American Association of People with Disabilities. In Florida, DMD is a youth program of The Able Trust and is co-sponsored by The Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) and the Florida Department of Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). This year, Florida Disability Mentoring Day’s 120 community liaisons will celebrate a ten-year history of linking students and jobseekers with disabilities to career mentors in their fields of interest.

Over the last decade, DMD has spread from a single countywide event to an extensive Students gain exposure to careers. network of agencies and employers providing job shadowing experiences in more than 57 counties across the state. Florida DMD encourages people with disabilities to gain exposure to a variety of careers, and connects local disability employment programs with a network of employer partners. This past October, more than 4,350 Florida employer mentors and mentees with disabilities participated in DMD activities which resulted in career exposure, long-term mentoring, internships, volunteer opportunities, and entrance into employment.

This annual event is also a chance for employers to learn about the skills that people with disabilities have to offer as reliable and resourceful workers. During DMD activities, the mission of The Able Trust is personified to the employers who will hire the next generation of workers. In a 2009 post-event survey, 78% of Central Florida DMD employer mentors said they would consider hiring someone with a disability based on their DMD experience! Adult jobseekers find opportunities. DMD was commemorated nationally on October 21, 2009. Mentees across the state arrived “dressed for success” to observe the day-to-day operations of their career area of interest, and practice professional networking skills by attending one-to-one or group job shadow experiences, industry tours, workshops or career fairs. In Leon County, a 10th grade student who hopes to one day become a writer got her wish when she was able to job shadow at the Tallahassee Democrat.

“I can definitely use the things I learned and experienced today in my career,” she said. “It all applies somehow. It was also nice to actually see how things work on a daily basis. It is so hard to believe how much work that the staff does every day to keep things running smoothly.” Agencies provide services to communities. This mentee sat in on budget meetings, assisted with writing obituaries, and was invited to write a special story about her DMD experience which was published in the next day’s edi- tion with her photo.

During their DMD experience, students and jobseekers gain access to a new mentor, learn about volunteer or internship opportunities, and inquire about job openings. One mentee decided to pursue further opportunities available with his DMD mentor, the director of a collegiate athletic department.

“I had him write out what he would say, and we role played the conversation several times. Employers engage in good business He then called his mentor from my office and inquired about the possibility of a volunteer or practices. internship opportunity. The mentor was so impressed, he agreed to both of the mentee’s re- quests! The mentee starts volunteering in February and has been invited to apply for a paid internship,” a Community Liaison reported.

In a post-DMD survey conducted by the Central Florida DMD committee (who coordinated activities for 247 high school students), 100% of participants reported: that the job shadow-

(Dreams of Employment... continued on page 8)

7 The Able Trust (Dreams of Employment... continued from page 7) ing experience helped them consider their career options, that they had learned about the skills needed to perform the job, and that they had learned what the company expects from their employees. Additionally, 100% of these students reported that they would participate in DMD again.

Central Florida’s DMD event organizers are already busy coordinating a year of opportunities that resulted from their activities in October’s DMD events.

“The Orange County Public Schools Transportation Department will host several summer internship positions. The Orlando Mounted Police have offered our students the opportunity to participate in an ongoing Community-Based Vo- cational Education program. Five Guys Burgers & Fries has agreed to host an ongoing year-round mentoring program, and The Disney Entrepreneur Center will be involved in a series of trainings for Entrepreneurship in 2010,” one Central Florida DMD Coordinator reported.

They are also anticipating that Walt Disney World Resort, Wal-Mart, Sam’s Wholesale Club, Darden Restaurants and Publix Supermarket will expand their involvement in Central Florida mentoring activities this year.

Florida DMD impacts the attitudes toward members of the disability community, the hiring practices of employers, and the employment outcomes of Floridians with disabilities. The Able Trust and the Florida DMD Statewide Planning Com- mittee invite you to save the date for Florida Disability Mentoring Day’s 10th Anniversary: Wednesday, October 20, 2010!

Recipe for Success WestCare Gulf Coast Florida

Veteran LF (pictured below) of WestCare Gulf Coast Florida (an Able Trust grantee) recently shared the chili recipe he entered in their cook-off. It’s sure to hit the spot on those cold, winter nights. Enjoy!

Southwest Texas Chili INGREDIENTS: DIRECTIONS:

2 lbs of ground grilled pork 1) Mix well all the meat in large pot 2 lbs of ground grilled shirt steak and brown. (Cut open all meat casings 3 large yellow onions - diced and squeeze out. 1 green bell pepper - diced 2) Mix well until done. 1 red bell pepper - diced 3) Add tomato sauce and all season- 10 lb box of pulled chicken ings. 3 cups of chili powder 4) Cook over low to medium heat for 1/2 cup of cumin 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to 1/2 cup of fresh garlic avoid sticking. 1/4 tbsp of crushed red pepper 5) Reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 1/4 tbsp of garlic powder for 1 hour, stir occasionally. 3 cups of chicken base 6) Remove from heat and allow to cool. 2 cans of #10 kidney beans 7) Place in refrigerator over night. 1/2 cup of sugar 8) Reheat and serve. 1/4 cup of salt 2 tbsp black pepper 2 large cans of tomato paste 1 cup of flour

Florida Grantor 8 Grantee Spotlight Vincent House incent House in Pinellas Park, Florida is a social Vand vocational recovery program for adults living with mental illness. On January 28, 2010 a Com- munity Dedication was held to officially open the new and expanded building for all to see. The Able Trust is proud to be a partner by partially funding the new commercial kitchen in the facility. The grant has allowed members of Vincent House to learn the full range of culinary and restaurant skills in an authentic and busy kitchen, skills that are transferable to any restaurant job in the community. The theme at Vin- cent’s House is “Recovery through Work,” which is put to daily practice in the Transitional Employment and the Supported Employment programs. (from left to right: Guenevere Crum, Senior Vice President of The Able Trust; Clyde Kobayashi, one of the founding members of Vincent House; and Dianne Steele, Assistant The Able Trust has been a supporter of Vincent Director of Vincent House) House since September 2003, with a grant to start their Employment Placement Program in a small storefront space in a strip mall. Bursting at the seams with activities and programs for supporting individuals with mental illness, they quickly outgrew their location. A key element of the success of Vincent House has been the peer support shown by members for each other, the employment programs and each other’s efforts in obtaining success in employment given today’s competitive market. The Able Trust takes pride in the growth of Vincent House, and looks forward to the future as this entity continues to impact the lives of those in the surrounding community.

ARC of Alachua County

mployment opportunities are a premium these days. Such opportunities for persons with disabilities, however, have Ealways been challenging to nurture. That is where Able Trust grantees come in. By investing much-needed funds into programs targeted at providing employment outcomes, stories similar to the following become the rule and not the exception.

From 2006 through 2008, The ARC of Alachua County (ARC) struggled to place people with disabilities into competitive employment within the community. Funding cuts from the Medicaid Waiver eliminated the possibility of having a full-time professional, whose sole purpose within the ARC was placing people into competitive jobs. This task fell to staff that were already engaged in other duties within the agency, eliminating the ability to designate one person to focus on a task highly important and essential for our population. The ARC’s mission -- to ensure that people with developmental disabilities can enjoy respect, dignity and be full participants in the community – was in jeopardy.

Thanks to grant funds from The Able Trust, the ARC was able to hire a full-time professional once again. To those on the outside looking in, hiring one person may seem trivial. However, the work of this one person has impacted the lives of many, working tirelessly to aid our clients as they search for employment.

One such individual was Joey; a polite, well spoken man with a bright future. He was working in the ARC’s facility-based kitchen program, where he was in charge of running the cash register among other duties. Although thankful for the opportunity, Joey longed for real employment out in the community. The Job Placement Specialist helped to make that happen, utilizing a myriad of placement recourses in search of the perfect match for Joey. After several applications were turned into perspective employers, one such employer forged a special relationship with Joey and decided to hire him. Today, Joey is happily employed at Ruby Tuesday’s restaurant. He loves his job and the new friends he has made. Thanks to funding from The Able Trust for a Job (Joey fills out applications in the Alachua County ARC Job Placement Specialist, Joey is living out a life-long dream. Placement Specialist’s office.)

9 The Able Trust American Express Joins the Mission

Pictured above from the left are: Todd Schemm, VP Credit Operations; Gilda Board member and former Attorney General Bob Butterworth (far right, kneel- Otero; Susanne Homant, President, The Able Trust; Deb Marrapodi; Doria ing) participated in the check presentation ceremony, and enjoyed his time with Camaraza, General Manager& Senior Vice President; Bridget Pallango, Board Lori and Gideon at the American Express headquarters. Chair, The Able Trust; Charles Johnson, VP Human Resources; Karen Ragusa, VP, Service Network Capabilities; Ileana Figueroa, VP Technologies, and in front, Lori Volkman with service dog Gideon.

he Able Trust was honored to received a contribution from the American Express company to help support its Dis- Tability Mentoring Day and related activities. American Express has a history of diversity and inclusion, and giving back to organizations that work to improve the lives and opportunities for people with disabilities. The company has a large regional office in Fort Lauderdale, and several of its key staff members gathered to present a check for $25,000 to The Able Trust in January.

The partnership with American Express will allow The Able Trust to continue a valuable mentoring program throughout the state of Florida. Many thanks to American Express executive Anne Marie Tagliente, Director of Corporate Affairs and Communications for her efforts on behalf of this partnership.

Thank You, Darden Restaurants! epresentatives of Darden Restaurants presented The RAble Trust with a $25,000 donation, to be used to advance the High School High Tech program throughout Florida, and the Youth Leadership Forum. Darden has been extremely supportive of the work of The Able Trust and the programs directed at helping youth with disabilities. Headquartered in Orlando, FL, Darden encouraged its restaurants to also participate in Disability Mentoring Day throughout the country, and is a “best practices” model for the hiring of people with disabilities within its operations. Restaurants under the Darden umbrella include Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Red Lobster, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, and Bahama Breeze.

The continued support of partners like these ensures that the mission of The Able Trust to help Floridians (from left to right), Julio Suarez, Director of Diversity Outreach, Bob McAdam, Senior VP, Government & Community Affairs, along with Jeannie Amendola with disabilities will endure. and Richard Cole, members of The Able Trust Board of Directors.

Florida Grantor 10 M a k e a D o n a t i o n t o T h e a B l e T r ust

Because People Want to Work

We Make Donating to The Able Trust Easy! You can make your donation by visiting The Able Trust Web site at www.abletrust.org and clicking the “Make a Donation” button. Or you can fill out the form below and mail your donation to: The Able Trust, 3320 Thomasville Road, Suite 200, Tallahassee, Florida, 32308-7906

Tax Deductible Donation Amount ($): Cash, Check or Credit Card Donations are Accepted. Please make checks payable to The Able Trust.

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The Able Trust is a 501(c)(3) public-private partnership foundation established by the Florida Legislature in 1990. Its mission is to be the leader in providing Floridians with disabilities fair employment opportunities through fundraising, grant programs, public awareness, public education and policy review and recommendations. Since its establishment, The Able Trust has awarded more than $24 million in grants to nonprofit agencies throughout Florida for employment-related purposes, enabling thousands of Florida citizens with disabilities to enter the workforce each year. The Able Trust youth programs provide career development and transition to almost 2,000 students with disabilities annually, helping to reduce the dropout rate and prepare young adults for life beyond high school.

For more information about The Able Trust visit www.abletrust.org.

The Able Trust is recognized as exempt from federal income taxation under section 501c3 of the IRS and eligible to receive tax deductible contributions. Federal ID: 59-3052307. The Able Trust is registered with the Florida Division of Consumer Services as required by the Solicitation of Contributions Act (#CH957). A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free in Florida: (800) 435-7352. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the State.

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