2019 NDEAM Celebration:
Right Talent, Right Now!

October is here, and once again we are celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (#NDEAM). Reflecting a commitment to a robust and competitive American labor force, the 2019 National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) theme is “The Right Talent, Right Now.” Observed each October, NDEAM celebrates the contributions of workers with disabilities and educates about the value of a workforce inclusive of their skills and talents.

Please help us in highlighting the accomplishments of all people with disabilities who are employed or have their own business by submitting success stories.  We had a great response last year, and are now in search of more great stories as well as updates!

Success stories can be submitted through the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/666Z55P.

A Rising Star at Morris Arboretum
October 2, 2019 – George

George participated in the Project SEARCH program at GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals in Collegeville, PA, one of two nine-month Project SEARCH programs operated by KenCrest. Project SEARCH, a national school-to-work internship program, provides job training and work experience for individuals with disabilities. 

George loves gardens and dreamed of working for the University of Pennsylvania’s Morris Arboretum, one of the larger public gardens in the region. With the support and training received through his Project SEARCH internship at GlaxoSmithKline, George applied for a guest services position at Morris Arboretum. While he was invited to interview, the guest services team moved forward with another candidate. George was encouraged to apply to other positions at the Arboretum and obtained a second interview for a facilities position. George knew everything there was to know about the Morris Arboretum property and truly impressed the team. 

Now George serves as the Custodial Assistant—setting up chairs and equipment for events, using the leaf blower to maintain the public areas of the garden, and helping with other tasks to upkeep the property for guests and special happenings. The facilities team was so impressed with George and his work ethic that they started training him on other tasks.

He’s on the verge of a promotion and recently obtained his driver’s license, enabling him to expand his work at the Arboretum, and drive the golf carts around the property.

George is a rising star because of his hard work and perseverance, and thanks to the job skills learned through KenCrest’s Project SEARCH program.

~Submitted by KenCrest Services