PROCLAMATION from Fred Camillo, First Selectman
WHEREAS, October is National Disability Employment month and 85 percent of those unemployed are people with disabilities. For 69 years Abilis has supported people with disabilities and provides job training and employment opportunities for more than 255 individuals per year in the Greenwich community; and
WHEREAS, Job training and coaching is essential to ensure successful employment for people with disabilities, Abilis has partnered with The Greenwich Library to train and employ people with disabilities at the new Greenwich Library Café. This new local community partnership will allow Abilis to provide more than 225 hours of paid employment per week ensuring self-worth and self-sufficiency; and
WHEREAS, Since 2018, Abilis has partnered with Greenwich Hospital for the Project Search Internship Program that provides skill development, self-confidence, independence and job readiness skills; and
WHEREAS, Even without a challenging economic climate, the process to identify and secure employment for people with disabilities can range from a few weeks to several months. Abilis has partnered with Second Congregational Church to develop "Coffee For Good", a local business that will provide a training platform in food service. Sixty individuals per year will receive training, salaries and will benefit from this community-based coffee shop; and
WHEREAS, We dedicate this day to recognize the work at Abilis, our community partners and all employers in Greenwich who are working to improve the lives of those living with disabilities, with the hope that more businesses will join this effort.
NOW, THEREFORE, l, Fred Camillo, FIRST SELECTMAN OF THE TOWN OF GREENWICH, do
hereby proclaim October 19, 2020 as
Abilis' Partners for Employment Day