Robert M. Hensel, an author and athlete born with spina bifida, once said about inclusion “There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more.” On April 28, AHRC NYC’s Employment and Business Services thanked employers who see people for all they are capable of in the workplace and for recognizing their full humanity. The event was hosted at PRIDE Global’s headquarters near Grand Central Station.
“Thank you to the employers here tonight for your partnership and your courage,” said Ray Ferrigno, President of the AHRC NYC Board of Directors. “It takes effort to be fully diverse in the workplace, but we are all better for it.”
Industries including food service, health care, real estate, and retail were represented by partners including Access Self-Storage, National Grid, Boston Properties, Centers Business Office, Pratt Institute, and Russo’s on the Bay. The event was catered by Restaurant Associates, a longtime employment partner.
Employment Partner Success Stories
Successful employment initiatives such as the Partnership for Inclusive Internships and Project SEARCH were highlighted. Melissa Haber, Director of Community Workforce Programs at Montefiore Medical Center in the Bronx, said that she became involved with Project SEARCH eight years ago on her first day on the job. The program has had full leadership support since then.
“Is it courageous to take on a program that has no downside? It’s a win and a win and a win,” Melissa said. “We gain a lot more from hosting Project SEARCH than the participants gain from us. I wish every business in the city would host a program like this.”
Changing Perspectives
Wyatt Patterson works full-time at Boston Properties after getting his foot in the door via Project SEARCH.
“I want to thank Martha Nieves [Regional Sales Manager with EBS-Queens] for matching me with Boston Properties,” Wyatt said. “AHRC NYC has expanded our company and changed our perspective.”
Access Self-Storage has employed Artie Jeffries, an AHRC NYC supported employee, for thirty years.
Soroya Gomez, Senior Property Manager at Access, said “We are deeply proud to be recognized as part of this mission, one that has not only enriched our company but reminded us of the value of inclusion and collaboration. Artie is all over our Google reviews. Customers are always coming back and asking if Artie is still here.”
