Greenville Business Magazine 2009 December issue : Page 37ANDY WOODS SNOW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NILL SILVER PHOTOGRAPHY Years ago, a BY BRANDY WOODS SNOW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NILL SILVER PHOTOGRAPHY ANDY WOODS SNOW | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NILL SILVER PHOTOGRAPHY Years Years ago, a disability of this magnitude could presumably thwart one’s career and quality of life before they’d even begun to live. And though there have been bumps along the way, today Jeffrey has found his niche in the workplace and in life through the support from his family, as well as from organizations and busi- nesses dedicated to helping disabled citizens overcome obstacles and find success. Jeffrey is certainly not alone. According to the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department (SCVRD), “People with disabilities are one of the nation’s most significant employee resources but represent its greatest unemployed minority. Almost 350,000, or 14 percent, of S.C. citizens are in this category.” Many of these could work but are held back due to concerns and even misconceptions about their abilities. It is the mission of several community organizations and portunity to find greater joy and better their lives gh work. Many feature a holistic approach that goes d job placement to also include a range of services counseling to interview readiness to employment enance techniques and beyond. Additionally, these izations can also help would-be employees dealing ubstance abuse issues or parole obligations, as well ks simply “down on their luck,” find perfectly suited, nding jobs to get back on their feet. orth American Rescue Products (NAR) is a strong ate of the quality of craftsmanship and dedication nstrated by disabled persons given the chance to themselves in the workplace. When Jim Carino, Operations Officer, first came on board with NAR uary of 2005, it was a small but quickly growing any, but, as growth occurred, increased production ules required more skilled help and larger facilities to demand. Carino drew on his past positive experi- with the SCVRD, joining forces with them to meet personnel and spatial requirements. The alliance with SCVRD allowed NAR to increase Robert Castellani, owner of North American Rescue investment into the manufacturing of their line of combat life-saving equipment without incurring the costs associated with leasing out or building a larger facility. SCVRD willingly worked with NAR to ensure a Publication List |
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