Press Releases
October 24, 2005
THE ARC NORTHERN CHESAPEAKE REGION RECOGNIZES LOCAL EMPLOYERS
[ABERDEEN, MD] -The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region recognized local employers at their open house on Wednesday, October 12. Employers showcased were part of a national recognition for employment of people with disabilities and their contribution to people who overcome obstacles in the pursuit of excellence.
According to the US Census Bureau, about 53 million Americans have a disability. While the National rate of employment for people with developmental disabilities is 37%, Tim Quinn, Executive Director at The Arc, noted that The Arc has a 92% employment rate. Mr. Quinn added, "We did not accomplish this task alone but with the help and dedication from a lot of people in this room". Local employers that were in attendance included Aramark, Rite Aid, Mars Supermarket, Harford County Public Library, Sephora, Maryland OSHA, Harford Community College, Harford County Government, Liberty Ship Mailing Project, Tritronics, Aberdeen Fire Company, and Battelle.
Buddy Austin from Sephora noted that productivity has doubled since last November for the work crew from The Arc. They have worked hard to meet Sephora's business needs. He adds, "The team concept is very successful and the zest that these people have for a job is phenomenal." Alycia Hyre from Harford County Public Library said that most of the employees hired from The Arc gravitate toward taking on more responsibilities after they have mastered their primary job skills. And Michael Penn from Maryland OSHA noted that their firm utilizes The Arc Employment Services for janitorial services. The Arc's janitorial services have accounts in over 30 facilities in Harford, Cecil, and Baltimore counties. Mr. Penn said, "They are the best cleaning crew that we have ever had."
Jan Stauffer, Job Developer at The Arc, introduced a pilot program for high school students looking for summer jobs. Partnering with Harford County Public Schools, Harford Transit, Susquehanna Workforce Network, and Division of Rehabilitation Services, in 2005 The Arc placed high school students in summer jobs at Office Eagle, Medline Services, The Greenery, and Maryland Golf & Country Clubs. Ms. Stauffer asked that local employers keep summer jobs in mind as they plan for the upcoming year.
During the month of October, another event honoring the accomplishments and achievements of people with disabilities is The Harford County Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities annual awards luncheon that was held on October 20 at the Maryland Golf and Country Clubs. In the private sector, the Employee of the Year was co-awarded to Charles Kramer, of The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region. Awards of merit in the category were presented to Cedric Campbell of Saks 5 th Avenue, Kimberly Cuneo of the Bel Air Athletic Club, Corey Dorman of Boyle Buick, and Antoinette Hammon of Dee's Florist, all employees who receive Employment Services from The Arc.
To learn more about Employment Services at The Arc contact Gail Fricke, Director of Employment Services at 410-879-6785, extension 375 or Email Gail Fricke .
The Arc offers a wide variety of services to individuals with developmental disabilities in Harford and Cecil County, both children and adults, to make informed choices in their lifestyles, vocations, education and recreational pursuits, and to assure stable and nurturing lives among their families and friends.
