MOUNT VERNON — New Hope Industries announced that it will join the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy in recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October.
This year’s theme is “Celebrating Value and Talent.”
The purpose of National Disability Employment Awareness Month is to bring attention to disability employment and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America’s workers with disabilities.
Reflecting this year’s theme, throughout the month, New Hope Industries will engage in a variety of activities to educate its employers and community partners on disability employment and its commitment to an accessible and supportive work culture for people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions and other non-obvious disabilities.
These efforts include Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr reading the NDEAM Proclamation, recognizing local employers with a token of appreciation, and highlighting individuals employed in the community through social media and print materials.
Experiencing the ‘life of their choice’
The history of NDEAM traces back to 1945, when it began as a weeklong recognition of people with physical disabilities. Later, NDEAM was expanded to a whole month. It evolved to include all people with disabilities, including those with mental health conditions and other non-obvious disabilities, acknowledging the importance of increasing their access to employment.
“At New Hope Industries, we are excited to participate in National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The individuals we serve play such a vital role in their workplace and in the community, and it’s our honor to be able to serve them,” Community Employment Services Manager Trevor Monk said.
The core of New Hope’s mission is wanting individuals with disabilities to experience the “life of their choice and a future of their dreams.”
“This mission includes the workplace. Each individual is unique, and we strive to help them obtain meaningful employment within the community that matches their skills and interests and that fosters independence,” Monk said.
“We are extremely grateful for the connections we’ve built with local employers and the hard work that the individuals put in each and every day.”
Angie Wise, CEO of New Hope Industries, said, “I am very passionate about this year’s theme of ‘Celebrating Value and Talent.’ I feel everyone has something to contribute to the workforce.
“NHI celebrates all employment opportunities, big or small. Whether it’s through our vocational service or community employment service, everyone has a right to work. Employment opportunities can be life-changing, providing dignity, joy, and empowerment to the individual served.”