ServiceSource

Thank you to Representatives Celeste Maloy (UT) and Eric Swalwell (CA) for hosting members of our employment readiness programs, PIERS and Arlington Employment Access, for a tour of United States Capitol. With the November election just around the corner the tour was a perfect opportunity to learn about history, how our government works, and the importance of making our voices heard at the ballot box.

Join us in congratulating Rob, a former AbilityOne® employee of Employment Source, a ServiceSource affiliate, who recently landed a position with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Rob began his journey with Employment Source in March 2018 as a Receptionist, supporting our AbilityOne contract with the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. In this role, he developed a diverse skillset that contributed to his personal and professional growth, from sorting mail and renaming veteran files to enhancing his social skills through daily interactions with colleagues. “His ability to rename 250-325 files per day is truly remarkable,” shared Employment Source Project Manager Tyeesha Mason. Rob's focus and dedication to excellence were clear in his daily work, driven by his personal motto, “Always try to reach a higher goal daily." Thanks to the skills and experience he gained at Employment Source, Rob achieved his goal of being hired by the Veterans Affairs Medical Center as a Medical Support Assistant. Congratulations, Rob, on this significant accomplishment, and best of luck in your new role!

The Arlington Weaves, Etc. program joined over 50 businesses at the Arlington County Fair last weekend to sell their products to the local community! Artisans in the ArlingtonWeaves, Etc. program learn to weave and produce handcrafted woven art while growing their social skills and earning 100% of proceeds from the sale of their handiwork. “The best part of weaving products is picking the different colors and patterns," said Elisa, an individual in the program. "I feel good when other people admire my work.” Thanks to everyone who came to support our artisans! You can also browse and purchase items from the ArlingtonWeaves, Etc. Etsy shop: https://lnkd.in/evtKupaf. #selfemployment

Join us at the second annual Wine in the Woods fundraiser, a fun-filled event at the Barns of Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia. 100 percent of proceeds directly support the people and programs of ServiceSource and its affiliates, empowering individuals who have disabilities. Thursday, September 5 from 6:15 to 9:00 pm Barns of Wolf Trap 1635 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA 22182 Sponsorship and tickets include entry to our event with beer and wine tastings, heavy appetizers and carving stations, live music by Olivera Music Trio, along with a robust program and live auction to share the mission of ServiceSource and raise money for critical programs. You may purchase tickets at https://lnkd.in/dvD8gsa. Click "Donate Now" and indicate "payment for Wine in the Woods" in the comments. Individual tickets are $250/person. Sponsorship levels vary. We hope to see you there!

Are you curious about your ability to work, but worried about losing Social Security benefits? The Ticket to Work program may be the answer you’ve been looking for! Ticket to Work is designed for SSI and SSDI recipients aged 18-64 who are looking to increase their financial independence and build a career. Find out if Ticket to Work is right for you – attend a free virtual information session hosted by ServiceSource on the third Wednesday of each month. To register and receive the Zoom link, contact va-tickettowork@servicesource.org

Last week, we celebrated the retirement of longtime Abilities of Florida Board Member and ServiceSource Foundation Trustee Joe Sorota. For 45 years, Joe has provided invaluable expertise helping advance our mission of empowering people with disabilities. ServiceSource Board and Leadership including Board Treasurer Frank Burke, ServiceSource President and CEO Bruce Patterson, former ServiceSource CEO Janet Samuelson, former Abilities of Florida CEO Bill Sandonato and other staff from Abilities of Florida, a ServiceSource affiliate, in Clearwater, FL, honored Joe and offered their appreciation for his many years of service. Thank you, Joe, for your commitment to building inclusive communities, and congratulations on your retirement!

Please take a minute to vote for our affiliate WorkSource in the United Way of Greater Charlottesville Caring for Community contest in the Nonprofits category!

WorkSource, a ServiceSource Affiliate located in Charlottesville, Virginia, is in the running for a 2024 Caring for Community award from the United Way of Greater Charlottesville in the Nonprofits category. WorkSource provides job training, employment, and support services that enable individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency and independence and participate more fully in the community. Don’t miss you chance to vote for WorkSource in the 2024 Caring for Community award contest. Voting closes August 30! https://ow.ly/gFFb50STb4B

Looking for a job but worried about losing crucial benefits? ServiceSource and the Ticket to Work program can help! As a registered Employment Network with the Social Security Administration, ServiceSource offers benefits and career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, and job placement. With the Ticket to Work program, you may be able to test your ability to work. Discover how ServiceSource and the Ticket to Work program can help you develop job skills and build an independent future. https://lnkd.in/etw2TenQ

Employment Source proudly hosted Representative Richard Hudson (NC-9) along with his Chief of Staff Luke Blanchat and Deputy Chief of Staff Georgia Lozier for a tour of our U.S. AbilityOne Commission Program food service operation at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, where we also provide grounds maintenance and mail services for the US Army. Employees working in the 82nd Sustainment Brigade Building 3 spoke with the Congressman about the importance of their jobs helping feed more than 1.4 million meals to our military each year. Employment Source Vice President of Operations Kris Kidd, Director of Regional Philanthropy Tara Hinton, Assistant Contract Manager Anthony Molten, and ServiceSource Board Member Weyher Dawson joined our employees in welcoming the Congressman. Also on hand was Carmelo A. Crespo, Executive Vice President of Business Development, representing Chimes International, another nonprofit performing services on base. Thank you, Representative Hudson for supporting our mission and championing employment for veterans and people with disabilities at Fort Liberty and in the Fayetteville community!