august 2011 workplace magazine

August 2011

David OgletreeWilliam M. Usdane National Award Recipient

Browne Uses AbilityOne® Program to Turn Goals into Reality

The Federal Insight

Volume 37, No. 8August 2011Workplace is published monthly by NISH, 8401 Old Courthouse Road, Vienna, VA 22182. NISH is a nonprofit organization that supports the AbilityOne® Program and is designated by Congress to assist nonprofit agencies employing people with significant disabilities in obtaining federal contracts. If you would like additional informa-tion on any subject in Workplace, contact Lynne Harris at [email protected]. Address corrections or additions should be mailed to the managing editor at the above address; please include the old mailing label. Reproduction of material in Workplace with permission is encouraged.

William Coleman, Jr., Acting Chair

E. Robert ChamberlinPresident and CEO, NISH

NISH Board of DirectorsJim Barone, Immediate Past ChairBrenda Yarnell, SecretaryPaul Atkinson, TreasurerFrederick BeamanStephen BennettJerry Bettenhausen Peter BernsDean EmersonFrederick FreseJim Gibbons David GonzalesSteven KingMike KivitzFrank Lopez Amy LuttrellWayne McMillanThomas MillerRhea Nelson Barbara NurenbergSteve PerdueBelinda Porras Frederick Williams

Editorial CommitteePaul AtkinsonMegan BranchNancyellen GentileGisele McAuliffeJay Thomas Lisa WardTony Young

Executive Editor Lynne Harris [email protected]

Managing Editor Vatrice Jones [email protected]

Contributing Feature Writers Rachel Crowell Sarah Gray Heather Loveridge Gisele McAuliffe Jamilah Simmons

NISH

Workplace

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Opening Session of Conference

Business Awards

Performance Excellence

Media Award

Usdane National Award Winner

Usdane Reginal Award Recipients

Villines National Award Winner

Villines Regional Award Recipients

Employee Awards

Government Awards

Big Idea Exchange

NISH Academy

Public Policy Corner

View from Washington

4 President’s Message 42 PL Additions46 AbilityOne® Program Success Story47 Hats Off

On the cover: William M. Usdane National Award Recipient David Ogletree speaks to attendees at the 2010 NISH National Training and Achievement Awards Banquet after accepting his award.

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President’s Message

E. Robert Chamberlin NISH President and CEO

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“What I was not expecting was, what a difference they have

made in my life. I have found them to be good workers, good leaders

and dedication beyond measure.”

— Rhonda Beitzel,

Taco Bell of Ashtabula

Polishing the BrassStanley Marcus was a retail giant having built the famous Neiman Marcus Department Store. His ability to inspire employees was influenced by a visit to a naval vessel where he noticed the brass gleamed like gold. He asked the captain how often they had to shine the brass. The captain’s reply was, “Every day. The minute you stop polishing it, it starts to tarnish.”

I don’t think AbilityOne® is start-ing to tarnish. But I do think it is extremely important to constantly revitalize and reenergize understand-ing of how this program and all of the AbilityOne nonprofit agencies (NPAs) play such an important role in enhancing the lives of people with disabilities-and conversely how people with disabilities are doing the same for everyone else on a regular basis.

My visits to NPAs are one method I use for revitalization. A recent visit to VGS, Inc.’s 2011 Annual Meeting in Cleveland was no exception; and this visit once again “polished the brass” for me. I was listed as the keynote speaker, but I am sure many attendees felt like I did after hearing Rhonda Beitzel from Taco Bell in Ashtabula, Ohio-the truth is, she was the real keynote speaker that day.

After accepting the award as VGS Employer of the Year, Beitzel said, “Thank you so much for this honor. When Debbie Tarr came and explained the program to me I was sure it could work for our company. I was sure BECAUSE OF DEBBIE’S EXCITEMENT AND DEDICATION (YOU COULD SEE IT IN HER EYES AND HEAR IT IN HER VOICE.) She cared about her candidates and, in turn, so did I. I put them to work. At the time I’m think-

ing, through work I can develop their skills to help them be success-ful. I can make a difference in their lives. And I feel I have…..BUT WHAT I WAS NOT EXPECTING WAS WHAT A DIFFERENCE THEY HAVE MADE IN MY LIFE.”

Bietzel continues, “I have found them to be good workers, good leaders, have excellent values and dedication beyond measure. Through them I have become a more patient boss (person). Now when I interview potential employees, I try to see their strengths rather than their barriers. They have enriched my life so very much. Thank you for allow-ing me to be a part of such a caring organization like yours! I hope we can keep this partnership going for a long time.”

I walked out of that event “with my brass polished” and ready to tell anyone I met about Rhonda, about VGS (and all the other NPAs), about the work ethic of people with signifi-cant disabilities and the difference they can make in our lives.

Stanley Marcus also said, “None of us is made of gold, we’re all made of brass, but we can look like gold if we work hard at polishing ourselves…we can be better than we really are if we will make the effort.”

In talking about AbilityOne, I would disagree with Marcus from one perspective. AbilityOne’s basic mission of creating job opportunities for people who otherwise would be unemployed IS equivalent to “made of gold” in terms of its importance in the lives of people with significant disabilities.

Nevertheless, his message of the need for nonstop polishing is right on point. We need to ensure we are continuously polishing every aspect of our program and communicating its goodness whenever and wherever we have the opportunity. H

Pictured l to r: VGS Board Director Janet AuWerter and Rhonda Beitzel, 2011 VGS Employer of the Year Award recipient.

Extraordinary Actions

Extraordinary Results

Another significant AbilityOne Strategic Partnership milestone was achieved with the May 2011 signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with the Northrop Grumman Corporation.

(Above) Bob Chamberlin, NISH President and CEO, presents an award to The Spirit of Goodwill band Director Javier Peña.

(Right) Pictured l to r: Bob Chamberlin; Gloria Pualani, director, Corporate Socio-Economic Business Programs, Northrup Grumman; Tom Panek, NIB VP, Relationship Management; Tina Ballard, Committee for Purchase executive director and Andrew Houghton, Committee for Purchase chairperson.

Dan Clark, one of the featured speakers at this year’s national conference, is CEO of a multi-million dollar corporation, an internationally recognized Speaker, Songwriter/Recording Artist and a New York Times Best-Selling Author.

Clark’s inspiring life includes fighting his way back from a paralyzing injury that cut short his football career, flying in fighter jets twice the speed of sound, carrying the Olympic Torch in the 2002 Winter Games and speaking for Fortune 500 companies.

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The Spirit of Goodwill Band entertains conference attendees with soulful music and vocals.


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Outta Sight band sings spirited songs during the opening session of the national training and achievement conference.

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Dean Kamen, one of two keynote speakers at this year’s national conference, is an inventor, an entrepreneur and a tireless advocate

for science and technology. He holds more than 440 U.S. and foreign patents, many of them for innovative medical devices that have expanded the

frontiers of health care worldwide.

In the year 2000, President Clinton presented Kamen with the National Medal of Technology Award in recognition for inventions that have advanced medical

care worldwide and for innovative and imaginative leadership in awakening America to the excitement of science and technology. He was also awarded the

Lemelson-MIT Prize in 2002 and was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in May 2005.


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Kaiser PermanentePasadena, Calif.

Kaiser Permanente’s partnership with Goodwill Industries of Southern California (GSC), headquartered in Los Angeles, typifies the very best of corporate and nonprofit business collaborations. The relationship has created a steady and growing stream of jobs for people with disabilities. It has advanced the credibility of GSC as a highly competitive service provider for vital document destruc-tion, electronic products recycling and Calif. beverage container recycling. Furthermore, Kaiser Permanente has provided the GSC with valuable business consultation to improve security, processes and efficiencies.

“We were so very excited that Kaiser would finally be recognized for the sizeable efforts they made to support our mission at Goodwill and other organizations like us,” said GSC CEO Douglas Barr. “The partnership that exists between Kaiser, Goodwill, and the nonprofit communities it supports is a story that deserves acknowledgement. They have a genuine interest in the community through environmentally conscious practices and in advancing the mission of GSC to provide jobs for people with disabilities.” Today, 158 persons with disabilities perform document shredding and computer/electronic waste recycling services for Kaiser Permanente’s Southern California service area; and in 2010,

GSC succeed in collecting 32,021 pounds of electronic waste through employee supported Kaiser Earth Day events.

Kaiser Permanente’s large business footprint also has enabled GSC to expand its shredding and electronic recycling customer base in a most cost-effective and profitable manner. “The work we can provide both our shredding room client-employees and electronic waste recycling disassembly line client-employees is steady and voluminous,” said Tamara Karlsson, GSC business development manager. “Through our partner-ship with Kaiser, there are more consistent job tasks to complete and a steady stream of products for our client-employees to dismantle and shred.” In turn, the partnership with GSC and the Secure Document Alliance has improved Kaiser Perma-nente’s position as an environmental leader in the healthcare sector.

According to Karlsson, Richard D. Trogman, FACHE, Kaiser Permanente Regional Executive, Support Services, Southern Califor-nia Region, immediately saw the connection between the firm and GSC in 2007 following an E-waste collection event. “He saw that the mission of Goodwill aligned very closely with that of Kaiser Perma-nente in serving and supporting the community,” Karlsson said. “He made the right introductions and assigned resources to bring the organizations together.”

As a highly respected organization, Kaiser Permanente is a great “door-opener” to new business opportu-nities for GSC. The firm promotes its strong support for the employ-ment of people with disabilities by inviting GSC employees to present alongside Kaiser Permanente staff at business conferences. “Kaiser Permanente word of mouth has been golden and they truly walk the talk,” Karlsson noted. Kaiser Permanente also assigned members of their staff to participate in Goodwill’s Business Advisory Council meetings, to improve their offerings to better serve clients and commu-nity. “Learning from the pro’s,” as described by Karlsson. Kaiser has also produced successful blood drives at GSC campuses.

Kaiser Permanente has made an extra effort to consider the many different lines of business offered by GSC and the Secure Document Alliance. The company’s commit-ment to GSC is a remarkable example of how big business can make a substantial difference in the work of a regional nonprofit and the individuals and community it serves, as well as the environment. H

AbilityOne® Program Community Awards Commercial Business Partnership (in Support of the AbilityOne Program)

This award recognizes a commercial business that has partnered with an AbilityOne-producing nonprofit agency (NPA) to increase the employability of people with significant disabilities.

Business Awards

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Cottonwood, Inc. is an enthusiastic and dogged advocate for services and jobs for people with disabilities in Kansas. The NPA has achieved impor-tant gains in educating citizens and state legislators about the injustice of state waiting lists for access to services by individuals with developmental disabilities.

Last year, when the Kansas state government leveled a 10 percent funding cut for services to individu-als with developmental disabilities, Cottonwood joined forces with like-minded agencies across the state in the “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” campaign. Participants walked a mile for every person on the Developmental Disabil-ity service waiting list, totaling 4,372 miles. Following the rally on the steps of the Capitol, Cottonwood staff and consumers visited each of their local legislative representatives to urge support in restoring the funding cuts. Cottonwood was instrumental in garnering multi-media (radio, televi-sion and print) coverage of the event.

Letters urging support for restoration of the funding cuts also were written to local legislators by the Cottonwood Consumer Committee and senior management.

The campaign garnered immense coverage by all the news media and succeeded in restoring state funding. Additionally, the campaign helped establish coalitions throughout the state to raise awareness of disability rights issues and the positive impact rehabilitative and vocational services has on the everyday lives of persons with disabilities.

“I was honored and humbled when I learned that Cottonwood was chosen as the winner of the Performance Excellence in Grassroots Advocacy Award,” said Sharon Spratt, CEO of Cottonwood, Inc. “Our staff has truly embraced the mission of ‘helping people with disabilities shape their own future’ by encouraging self-advocacy in the individuals we serve throughout all their daily activities.”

The combined grassroots advocacy efforts of Cottonwood and other state organizations that serve people with disabilities may have been the tipping point in convincing the Kansas legisla-tors to pass a one-cent sales tax in 2010, preventing further cuts to last year’s budget.

Cottonwood continuously commu-nicates with state policy makers to promote the support of funding for Kansas citizens with signifi-cant disabilities. It supplies the efforts of several local disability rights advocacy groups and has participated in two NISH grassroots advocacy conferences by sending representatives to Washington, D.C. to visit with members of Congress in 2005 and 2006.

With looming federal budget concerns, Cottonwood will remain focused and alert to changes that may impact the lives of the people it serves. It will once again join forces with partner agencies and other advocates on “InterHab Push Day,” (an annual gathering outside the Kansas state capitol in Topeka in support of issues affecting Kansans with developmental disabilities), to bring attention to the number of individuals with develop-mental disabilities across the state that are still waiting for services.

The tenet of advocacy is woven throughout Cottonwood’s code of ethical conduct, policies, job descrip-tions, corporate compliance plan, marketing, fiscal management, strate-gic planning, staff training, Board orientation and performance reviews. These concepts are evident in all of Cottonwood’s interactions with the individuals it serves. H

Grassroots Advocacy AwardThis award recognizes a nonprofit agency’s (NPA’s) effective, creative methods of involving or educating public policymakers—local, state or federal—about the AbilityOne® Program and the role of the program and NPA in creating employment for people with disabilities.

Business Awards

Sharon S. Spratt, of Cottonwood, Inc., addresses awards banquet attendees after accepting Grassroots Advocacy Award.

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Business Awards

Summit TreeStands, LLC Decatur, Ala.

This award recognizes a small business that has partnered with AbilityOne-producing nonprofit agencies (NPAs) and resulted in increased employment opportunities for people with signifi-cant disabilities.

Summit Treestands, LLC of Decatur, Ala. is an outstanding business partner to the nonprofit agency (NPA) Huntsville Rehabilitation Center (d/b/a Phoenix) of Hunts-ville, Ala. Its products are carefully engineered to be the most silent, secure, concealed and comfortable deer stands on the market. As North America’s largest manufacturer of tree stands for the hunting community, the company has generated 450 jobs for people with disabilities during the past three years. Furthermore, it has helped enhance local rehabilitative services while keeping U.S. manufac-turing jobs from going overseas.

In addition to climbing tree-stands, Summit manufactures tripod deer stands, hunting safety harnesses and other premium hunting gear. It was founded in 1982 out of the garage of its owner, John Woller. From that small beginning, the company has evolved into a multi-million dollar enterprise that manufactures more than 80,000 deer stands and safety harnesses annually.

Since 2007, Summit has subcon-tracted the manufacture of the pad lining of its tree-stands and the

assembly of an accessory pack for all of its products to Phoenix. The total annual value of those contracts is more than $50,000 and they support jobs for dozens of people with disabilities.

“Summit has been an outstand-ing partner,” said Phoenix CEO Bryan Dodson. “It has demonstrated tremendous commitment not just to Phoenix, but also to Terrell Indus-tries of Hartselle, Ala., an AbilityOne business that provides day treatment and work to persons with mental disabilities. And it’s a partnership that works not only for Phoenix and Terrell but for Summit, which has seen a rise in the quality of its products and a decrease in its invest-ment in inventory.”

An added advantage to Phoenix’s partnership with Summit Treestands is the boost it gives to the NPA’s employment and personal adjust-ment programs. Client-employees benefit from improved performance and behavioral coaching within a real work environment—critical steps towards moving individuals with disabilities into employment. The manufacture of the pad lining and other components for the tree-stands employs seven persons with disabili-ties. The items are relatively easy to make and provide ideal employment opportunities for persons coming out of Phoenix’s sewing machine opera-tor training program. Sewing the pad lining can increase an individual’s skill and speed, ultimately opening the door to new AbilityOne jobs

sewing complex military and govern-ment items.

“The Summit name means something to thousands of outdoor enthusiasts who depend on the quality of its products to keep them safe and enhance their enjoyment of nature,” Dodson said. “We are honored by our association with Summit and the trust Summit puts in Phoenix and its workers.”

Summit Treestands, Purchasing Agent, Karen Rogers, admits she was “stunned” when she first learned the firm had won the NISH Small Business Partnership Award. “We all felt very honored that Summit Trees-tands was considered for this award,” Rogers said. “Now we are more aware of the positive impact we have had on the community and individu-als with disabilities by our utilization of Phoenix.” H

AbilityOne® Program Community Awards Small Business Partnership AwardThis award recognizes a small business that has partnered with AbilityOne-producing nonprofit agencies (NPAs) and resulted in increased employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities.

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Work Services CorporationWichita Falls, Texas

Work Services Corporation (WSC) of Wichita Falls, Texas, is an AbilityOne Quality Work Environ-ment (QWE) early adopter. The QWE is an initiative that maximizes strengthens and maximizes the wages and quality of life of the individuals it serves by continuously improv-ing business practices and service effectiveness. It has established an ongoing improvement process tailored to its client-employees that enhances employment opportunities, improves wages and increases upward mobility.

“QWE has enabled us to examine and reevaluate our practices, priori-ties, successes, and shortcomings,” said Jerry Bettenhausen, WSC CEO. “It provided the structure for Work Services Corporation to discover the best practices in our industry and consider how those best practices might apply to our company. We have a better understanding of our strengths and weaknesses, and where

to focus our energy and resources.”

QWE is a framework that emerged from more than a year of research, development and collabora-tion among AbilityOne® Program members and leading disability advocates.

Founded in 1954, WSC serves more than 600 people with disabilities annually. Its rehabilitation services include vocational evaluation, job placement, job coaching and supported employment. Its business services and products manufactur-ing include full food service, custo-dial services, mail service, paper clip manufacturing, and more.

WSC pursued QWE by establishing a six-member steering team that repre-sents a cross-section of the organiza-tion: staff, consumers and recently hired and long-term employees. They have a thorough understanding of WSC’s mission, vision, goals and culture. “QWE has helped us discover hidden talents in the workforce,”

Bettenhausen said. “For example, when we added music, art and dance therapy programs for employees with the most significant disabilities, a production line supervisor, who was trained as a dance instructor, volun-teered to lead the dance group.”

As part of its QWE process, WSC has produced a detailed task analysis of 32 job classifications to support career development. It has reinforced job coaching and augmented employee training in food services. WSC has focused on assistive technology, for example, scanners in the commissary and audiovisual prompting devices that increase productivity. The focus on technology is balanced by WSC’s solid practices in human resource development. It has added music and art therapies to the organiza-tion’s existing wellness programs. Finally, WSC conducted an employee satisfaction survey to support career development, career monitoring and customized training plans.

WSC is sharing its experience of the QWE process with others. The steer-ing team formed an employee speak-ers bureau last year and made its first presentation at the local Lion’s Club in November 2010. Other commu-nication improvements devised as a result of the QWE process include: redesigned corporate promotional materials, an improved quarterly newsletter and a new website.

“QWE impacts virtually every corpo-rate process and activity,” Betten-hausen said. ” Most importantly, it provides pathways for employees at all levels to realize their full potential.” H

Performance Excellence in Quality Work EnvironmentThis award recognizes a nonprofit agency (NPA) for outstanding support in providing employees with disabilities enhanced employment opportunities, improved wages and upward mobility.

Pictured l to r: Bob Chamberlin, NISH President and CEO; Sheryl Moss, of Work Services Corporation and Gregory Bender, former NISH Board of Directors chair.

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Adelante Development Center, Inc., Albuquerque, N.M.

The AbilityOne Program has been central to the growth, high quality services and diverse employment opportunities for people with disabili-ties at Adelante Development Center, Inc. of N.M..

“We are very proud and happy to have won this award because everything we do, including AbilityOne contracts, circles back to our mission to ‘help people with disabilities discover and implement their personal goals in life,’” said Mike Kivitz, President and CEO of Adelante Development Center, Inc. “We first began working on AbilityOne contracts nearly 20 years ago and have really used each one to expand our employment capacity or the geographic scope of our (NPA). AbilityOne has truly helped Adelante not only expand the numbers of people with disabilities we can employ, but has also helped our agency offer a wider selection of options when considering the kinds of work people

with disabilities choose to undertake.”

Adelante opened its doors in 1978 serving six people with disabilities and today it serves 850. In addition to providing rehabilitative services, Adelante operates social enterprises that employ people with disabilities to perform packaging, janitorial services, mail processing, scanning, and secure document shredding services to federal and local government agencies and local businesses.

AbilityOne Program contracts have spurred much of Adelante’s growth. “There is a synergistic relationship and connection between AbilityOne, State Use, and commercial contracts; having one helps build the others,” Kivitz said. “That has especially been true with AbilityOne. Adelante utilizes AbilityOne contracts as a jumping off point for a sustainable business rather than only focusing on just working the contract itself.”

The success of Adelante’s secure document destruction services is a

good example of the establishment of a sustainable business and high quality performance via an AbilityOne contract. After being entrusted to perform document destruction for the Internal Revenue Service, a growing number of Albuquerque businesses looked to Adelante for the same service. The addition of quality certifi-cations from the International Organi-zation for Standardization (ISO) and the National Association of Informa-tion Destruction led to thousands of commercial contracts. Today, Adelante employs 56 people with disabilities to perform secure shredding and law firms, hospitals and banks comprise the bulk of the business.

“Adelante has utilized AbilityOne as a starting point to reach the commercial sector,” Kivitz said. “The communi-ties in which we work know Adelante by the services we provide, not just the social services. Many businesses know us only as Adelante Document Destruction Services, for example. They know we provide quality work at a competitive price, and the disability aspect becomes secondary.”

The AbilityOne Program has expanded the geographic regions where Adelante operates. An AbilityOne janitorial services contract at Kirkland Air Force Base (AFB) in Albuquerque led to other state and commercial contracts for Adelante and facilitated its expansion into Artesia, N.M. where it provides dormitory management services at the Federal Law Enforcement Train-ing Center. Today, Adelante operates in New Mexico as far north as the city of Taos and as far south as Artesia, with the cities of Santa Fe, Belen, Los Lunas, Rio Rancho and Moriarty in between. H

Performance Excellence Using the AbilityOne® Program to Further Its MissionThis award recognizes and promotes general awareness of the contributions of the nonprofit agency (NPA) and how the AbilityOne Program supports the mission of the NPA. This award focuses on how the AbilityOne Program spe-cifically supports the mission of the NPA and the overall effort to support people with significant disabilities.


Brian Ammerman (center) accepts the award for Adelante Development Center from Bob Chamberlin (left) and Gregory Bender (right).

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Bobby Dodd InstituteAtlanta, Ga.

An unerring focus on top-notch customer service, increased efficien-cies and strong customer relationships distinguishes Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) of Atlanta as an exemplary AbilityOne contractor. According to BDI Vice President of Employment, Barbara Massey, “It’s neither fancy nor new-fangled, but our commit-ment to our customers’ satisfaction has provided a strong foundation on which to build over the years.”

In many ways, BDI’s consistency in repeat and referral business from Veteran Administration (VA) offices in Georgia and Tennessee serves as proof positive of the organization’s success. BDI began operating the switchboard of Atlanta VA Medical Center 16 years ago. At the start of the contract, the NPA audited calls and discovered a high volume of internal calls unneces-sarily were being routed through the switchboard. The impact was reduced speed-to-answer times by BDI opera-

tors and diminished caller satisfac-tion. BDI developed a script for the operators that reminded internal staff they could call directly rather than through the switchboard. By using the script, BDI politely and methodically decreased the amount of internal calls it processed, reduced caller wait times, and ensured optimal switchboard staffing levels.

Another example of BDI improve-ments to switchboard operations was the introduction of operator “playbooks” that spelled out appropri-ate actions for each type of emergency, or non-emergency, call. “As a result, our switchboard operators can be counted on to do the right thing at the right time, which is critical in a medical setting,” Massey said.

Over the years, BDI’s excellent service led the VA to greatly expand their AbilityOne contracts with the NPA. Today, BDI manages eight switch-board operations, provides janito-rial services and performs a mix of administrative functions for VA

Medical Centers in the Southeast United States that provide employ-ment to 77 individuals with signifi-cant disabilities.

BDI’s commitment to the customer is legendary within the VA Medical Centers it serves, with numerous examples of valiant efforts on the behalf of callers. BDI kept the switch-boards operating around the clock in Atlanta despite severe weather conditions that virtually shutdown the city for nearly a week. In a small but meaningful gesture, BDI switch-board operators made sure an elderly veteran received a hand-delivered copy of the daily newspaper after the man’s concerned son called about the importance of maintaining his father’s cherished daily ritual.

Senior management at BDI was excited and appreciative when they learned they had received this year’s award. “We were very gratified due to the fact that we have been involved in the AbilityOne® Program and working with our federal customers for 30 years, starting with our first AbilityOne contract at Fort McPherson in Atlanta in 1981,” said Massey. “We know that there are many other hard-working, qualified, and deserving nonprofits that do great work as well and we’re appre-ciative that our efforts were awarded this particular year. We know that the key to success is in building strong and enduring relationships with our customers that stand the test of time.”

BDI AbilityOne contracts have positively affected thousands of medical professionals, hospital workers and very importantly, veterans. H

Performance Excellence in Government Contracts AwardThis award recognizes and encourages excellence in AbilityOne® contract performance and serves as an example to other nonprofit agencies (NPAs).


Bob Chamberlin (left) and Gregory Bender (right) present award to Barbara Massey (left center), VP of Employment and Phillip Miles, Board chairperson for Bobby Dodd Institute.

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Jeff Dolven, CEOSkookumBremerton, Wash.

Skookum has made providing oppor-tunities for veterans with disabilities a priority throughout the organization. Finding the right person for the right job is a high priority and commitment for the company.

“For instance, bringing veterans back into the military culture and monopolizing on their vast experi-ence in military supply and mainte-nance procedures on our contracts at

Ft. Lewis. Many of them have stated that they would still like to serve their country, and these jobs provide that opportunity,” stated U.S. Depart-ment of Veterans Affairs Representa-tive Marny Howell, who nominated Skookum for the award.

Skookum employees have direct contact with soldiers on these contracts and provide services to them that help them meet their mission. “This can be a very healthy environ-ment for someone returning from service, faced with a disability and struggling with the prospect of gaining

employment. Skookum has formed many successful relationships with the community of veterans of disabilities organizations and agencies. It is also apparent that Skookum’s management team is committed to this mission,” Howell stated.

Among the services Skookum provides are vehicle maintenance, sanita-tion services, hospital housekeeping, janitorial and grounds maintenance, food services and postal services. H

NPA Best Practices in Hiring Veterans with DisabilitiesThis award recognizes an NPA for outstanding outreach and support in recruiting, hiring and training veterans with disabilities.


Skookum award recipients Jeff Dolven and Carolyn Day (center) accept award presented by Bob Chamberlin (left) and Gregory Bender (right).

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Media AwardThe Media Award recognizes positive media coverage of a nonprofit agency (NPA) and AbilityOne® Program efforts and rewards media representatives who develop mutually beneficial relationships with AbilityOne-producing NPAs as they expand job opportunities for people with significant disabilities.

Media Award

Nicole NorfleetWashington PostWashington, D.C.

One of this year’s most salient news articles about the AbiiltyOne Program was generated by Nicole Norfleet, a reporting intern at the Washington Post. Her story about Melwood employees with disabilities responsible for snow removal at two selected federal facilities appeared in the metro section of the Washing-ton Post newspaper on February 24, 2010. The prominence of the report, in a nationally recognized news outlet, elevated the AbilityOne program and estimation of the abili-ties of people with disabilities before a national audience.

“She (Norfleet) is a very good writer, but an even better person to talk to and get to know,” observed Matthew Scassero, senior vice president of contract services at Melwood. “She got the story right because she took the time to see our people, what they do and what it means.”

The article, headlined: “Unsung Heroes Who Helped Dig Out D.C.,” revealed the steadfast dedication of Melwood employees to the job of clearing snow from pathways around the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) building in Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. Both operations are AbilityOne Program contracts managed by Melwood, a NISH-affiliated nonprofit agency (NPA) headquartered in Upper Marlboro, Md. Norfleet twice visited the HUD building to interview the employees with disabilities, site managers and HUD staff. Her report

presented AbilityOne custodial workers as “HUD heroes” who kept the building accessible to essen-tial personnel for five straight days during a blizzard. She described the Melwood crew and their managers digging and blowing snow, day and night, even through whiteout condi-tions when they could not see the HUD building from the sidewalk where they toiled.

Norfleet’s article was a positive reflection on the AbilityOne Program, Melwood and its employees with disabilities. It strengthened the perception that the program can provide highly reliable services to federal agencies and emphasized that people with significant disabilities can fulfill a central role providing necessary services in their local communities.

Norfleet skillfully focused on the human interest of employees with disabilities laboring round-the-clock for more than 9,400 hours “… to ensure that federal sites remained clear and essential personnel made it to their destina-tions.” The article also explained how employing people with disabilities benefits society as a whole by providing wages, generat-ing taxes and enabling individuals to become contributing members of the community.

“We received good coverage about our people because Nicole (Norfleet) and the Washington Post understand that when it comes right down to it, business outcomes are really about people outcomes,” Scassero said. “We may manage our efforts with systems and financials and operations

analysis, but what makes us truly successful is when we succeed at our mission. The (Washington) Post shares our mission, creating good outcomes for people who deserve it and they try to show that in their coverage. Having writers like Nicole (Norfleet) who understand that goal is what sets them apart.” H

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Media Award

Emcee of Ceremony

Bob Chamberlin, NISH President and CEO, introduces the awards banquet emcee Geri Jewell. She is best known for her role as cousin Geri on the NBC sitcom “The Facts of Life.”

This year’s conference attendees had the privilege of actress/comedienne Geri Jewell serving as the awards banquet emcee. Jewell is an American actress born with cerebral palsy and best known as cousin Geri on the NBC sitcom, “The Facts of Life.” She was the first person with a disability to have a regular role on a prime time series.

Jewell began her career doing stand up comedy at the Comedy Store in 1978. In 1980, while performing at the 2nd Annual Media Access Awards, producer, Fern Field, introduced her to Norman Lear.

Following her ground breaking role on “The Facts of Life,” Jewell appeared on such shows as “The Great Space Coaster,” the Emmy award-winning

movie “Two of a Kind,” “Sesame Street,” “21 Jump Street,” “Young and the Restless,” “Strong Medicine” and the HBO hit series, “Deadwood.”

When Jewell is not working in television, she is a highly sought after motivational speaker and trainer in the areas of disability and diversity. She has consulted for such companies as Hewlett Packard, Master Foods, Johnson Wax, AT&T, and Amgen. She has also trained such govern-ment agencies as The C.I.A., The U.S. Treasury Department, Defense Intel-ligence Agency, and the U.S. Army.

All in all, Jewell is enjoying a thriving

career. She has been the recipient of many awards, including the 1992 Founders Award, the 2005 Indepen-dent Living Legacy Award, and this year’s 2006 Victory award. H

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Usdane National Award Winner

David Ogletree VGSCleveland, Ohio

Early in life, David Ogletree was diagnosed with autism, which made it difficult for him to interact with others, maintain focus and secure and hold steady employment. Raised by his grandmother, Ogletree was deter-mined to live an independent life and earn his own paycheck.

Despite the challenges of autism, Ogletree applied for work at VGS in hopes of becoming a data proces-sor. He worked in the Power Sewing Division, which allowed him to increase his workplace experi-ence. Ogletree quickly overcame the challenges of working in a noise-filled production and committed to exten-sive training and advancing his skills.

Ogletree now serves as the final set of eyes for inspection on women’s dress slacks at VGS. As Final Inspection Processor, Ogletree is part of a division

that produces 100% of the slacks for the United States Army, Navy, and a vast majority of the Marine Corps -- a division of VGS that averages produc-tion of more than 500 slacks a day and 100,000 per year.

Tavi Gargano, general manager of VGS’ Power Sewing Division and Ogletree’s Supervisor, notes Ogletree has a strong personal commitment to succeed. “David says what he does and does what he says. He under-stands the challenges brought to him, learns from his mistakes, and wants to succeed. He has goals, and he excelled in this role.”

Ogletree has been working as Final Inspection Processor for a year—it is a high profile position which requires responsibility to deliver high-quality products that must meet military standards. While he gained valuable job skills and work-place experience, Ogletree has also gained the skills he needed and wanted to live a balanced and fulfilled life.

“While the production of the trousers is an important part of what we do at VGS, the real product is making people. This project made David. David just needed a chance to prove himself,” said Gargano. “Before David started, he was an introvert. The job gave him the ability to find freedom on the floor, he gained confidence, was able to eliminate the emotional pitfalls he came in with, and he interacts well with staff and coworkers. He has even made friends, something he said he never had.”

Ogletree is a respected and well-liked VGS team member. “David’s smile is always very pleasant, and he’s very in tune to what’s going on all around the work place,” said Donna Reisz, assistant general manager at VGS. “He’s really stepped up to the challenges of his disability and continued to improve his focus and social interaction. All of us at VGS are very proud of David.” H

William M. Usdane National Award WinnerThis award recognizes an individual with a significant disability who has advanced from work on an AbilityOne® project into a job with private/government sector employment or management within the nonprofit agency (NPA).

Pictured l to r: Bob Chamberlin; David Ogletree, Usdane National Award Winner and Gregory Bender. (Right) Ogletree shares his thoughts with attendees after accepting his award.

August 2011 | 19

William M. Usdane South Region Award

Orrette Smith Bridges BTC, Inc.Rockledge, Fla.

Each workday morning, Orette Smith is one of the first individuals to clock in and start work. After a one-hour van ride, he arrives at Patrick Air Force Base (AFB), Fla. with unbridled energy and enthusiasm for his job in material recycling. He is a self-starter who likes to help others and takes pride in accomplishing all of his responsibilities. “He is so enthusiastic that he does not like to take breaks,” said Bridges BTC, Inc. Project Manager, Dorothy Couch. “If a task needs to be completed, he wants to get it done immediately. He takes pride in all the tasks he does and likes instructing his co-workers. He is a great motivator who never hesitates to lend a hand.”

Although Smith has nominal verbal

skills and is blind in one eye, accord-ing to his crew leader, Alden Knight of Bridges BTC, Inc., he makes himself readily understood through his actions and expresses a terrific sense of humor. “It is a pleasure to have him work on this contract,” Knight said. “When I think of every-thing this man has achieved, I am proud to have him on our team. It is his high energy and willingness to train, and be trained, at the tasks we perform. It may take some time for him to become proficient at a task, but he will persevere until he is able to do it without help or reminders.”

Smith works with a supervisor and a co-worker to collect a long list of recyclable commodities such as glass, aluminum, cardboard, office paper, metal and more each week at a total of some 160 facilities.

He is lift gate certified and operates the gate on the collection truck. He also has mastered operating hydraulic lifts to empty the collection containers at the material recycling facility.

Smith stands out for his desire to be independent while taking care of others. He is the first person to greet and welcome new colleagues and enjoys training individu-als on how to do the job. Smith clearly enjoys the role of caretaker. First thing each day, he will go to his locker to get both his and his teammate’s work gloves. He carries the two pairs to ensure they are not lost or forgotten. He is constantly alert about safety on the job. He wears his personal protective gear without prompts and reminds his teammate to put on his gloves.

According to Couch and Knight, Smith sets an excellent example. “Smith showcases his skills and abilities daily,” Knight said. “He has an exceptional work ethic, happily collaborates with others and exudes joy. He loves the work he does and makes that evident by smiling and communicating with the custom-ers.” Smith is an outstanding ambas-sador for the AbilityOne® Program the perfect example of a William M. Usdane Award winner.

William M. Usdane Northwest Region Award

James SpencerWitco, Inc.Caldwell, Idaho

An incontestable work ethic, pronounced compassion for others, immense charitableness, competitive athletics and job dedication define

Usdane Regional Award Recipients

William M. Usdane Regional Award RecipientsThis award recognizes an individual with a significant disability who has exhibited outstanding achievement and exceptional character.

Usdane Continued on Page 20

Left to right: Jairo A, crew Leader; Orrette Smith, collector and Ryan S., collector.

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James Spencer and his very success-ful 24-year career as an AbilityOne Program employee at Witco, Inc. in Caldwell, Idaho.

“James (Spencer) is the most honest, hard working and decent man I have ever met,” said Jenni-fer Ramon, director of sales and marketing at Witco. “The moment you meet him, you will never forget him. The AbilityOne Program has facilitated him obtaining the self-confidence to pursue his goals and feel comfortable with those around him. There is not one person in the Boise U.S. Federal Building who does not know, and truly love, him. He has been a part of their lives and they have been a part of his.”

When Spencer started working on AbilityOne Program contracts via Witco 25 years ago, he had limited communications skills and did not speak to others. He had to ride his bicycle a long distance to work every-day to make sure he arrived on time. Subsequently, Spencer was transferred to Boise and employed as a custo-dian at the U.S. Federal Building. He continued to make significant gains in his personal life and career, securing an apartment for the first time in his life and commuting via public trans-port to and from his job.

Today, Spencer has a driver’s license and owns his own car. He has worked the early morning shift starting at 6:00 a.m. at the U.S. Federal Building for the past 13 years and has never missed a day. No matter what the weather, James is there on time to ensure the building is clean and outdoor areas are safe and unobstructed for incoming building tenants and customers.

The tenants of the Boise U.S. Federal Building treat Spencer like family. “They are his protectors,” Ramon said. “When his beloved cat became ill recently, a group of building tenants took it upon themselves to take the cat to the local vet for treatment.

When the vet bill turned out to be large, James arranged to pay it over time in installments. When some of the tenants heard about this, they pooled their resources and paid the bill themselves.”

Outside of work, Spencer love athletics. He faithfully works out at the local YMCA at least three times a week and has become a strong athlete. For the past four years, Spencer has achieved his lifelong dream of competing in sports. He competes in the Senior Games for individuals aged 50 or older and has won medals in the standard long jump, 200 meters, 100 meters and 50 meters races.

Spencer is actively involved in his church and is devoted to his aging mother. He recently moved out of his apartment and back into his mother’s home so he could look after her.

The AbilityOne Program has helped Spencer realize his goals and dreams—living on his own, budgeting his expenses, learning to drive, buying a car, competing as an athlete and performing his duties as a custodian.

William M. Usdane South Central Region Award

John D. LockeBayaud EnterprisesDenver, Colo.

An indomitable spirit, dedication, hard work and strong intellect have earned John Locke the reputation of being ‘the rock star of the land of rocks’—the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in Denver, Colo. “John is my right hand, go-to guy,” said Patrick Bradford, contract supervi-sor for Bayaud Enterprises at USGS. “His wealth of experience and level of professionalism are traits I lean heavily upon. He will disagree with

this, but John (Locke) has a long-term memory like an elephant and a historical background that is invalu-able to me. He makes my job easier. Whenever tough questions need answering, I always look to John’s (Locke) deep knowledge for guidance.”

At USGS’s main facility within the Denver Federal Center, rocks and other geological interests are collected by the ton. They are shipped to the center by bag, box and crate. For nearly 20 years, Locke has held the position of mail and package delivery driver at the USGS mail room. Each work day, he picks up mail (including rocks) from the Post Office and returns it to the Mail Distribution Center where he sorts and logs the mail for delivery. Next, he packages the mail and loads it into his van for redis-tribution to several buildings within the Denver Federal Center and the National Earthquake Center in Golden, Colo. a few miles away.

In 1979, Locke suffered a devastat-ing traumatic brain injury that left the left side of his body partially paralyzed, significantly impairing his coordination. Through narrow corridors and hallways, up and down steep inclines and stairways, often during extreme weather conditions, John delivers mail, cartons, packages, and of course, boxes of rocks. “By

Usdane Continued from Page 19

Sally Henderson, executive director NISH South Central Region, presents award to John D. Locke.

August 2011 | 21


no means are these small boxes,” Bradford said. “They are large and heavy and require special handing and care. At times, the rocks include the slightest tincture of harmless levels of radioactivity, which John attributes to his ever-increasing ‘glowing’ personality.”

Before acquiring his AbilityOne job, Locke worked at Holistic Approach for Independent Living (HAIL) in Denver where he helped adults with disabilities learn life skills. Subsequently, he became a parapro-fessional III with Denver Public Schools where he taught life skills, such as cooking, to emotionally disturbed schoolchildren.

Away from work, Locke is an indis-pensable volunteer for his commu-nity and a loving father. For the past nine years, Locke has held the position of elder at his church and will soon become deacon. Through his church, he volunteers as a counselor to elderly persons living in group homes and retirement centers. At home, John is raising two adopted teenaged boys ages 13 and 15.

Over the course of his career, Locke has delivered mail to every mail stop and every employee at the Denver Federal Center. Bradford also looks to Locke to train new employees as they come on-board and to fill the role of supervisor whenever necessary. Locke is a distinguished AbilityOne employee, leader, father and volunteer.

William M. Usdane Pacific West Region Award

Rosamaria SantanaJob Options, Inc.San Diego, Calif.

Rosamaria Santana personifies all the best qualities of an AbilityOne Program employee. She pursues her

goals with the attitude that there are no limits to what she can achieve. At work, she exudes enthusiasm, promotes teamwork, never hesitates to assist a colleague and exemplifies the highest quality customer service. “She truly is committed to caring and delivers that message loud and clear to our federal government customers and her co-workers,” Gladis Jarquin, Job Options, Inc. administrative services division manager and safety officer said.

“I really like making customers happy,” Santana admitted. “Some customers come into our office and seem really nervous because it’s a federal govern-ment facility with uniformed officers and they don’t know what to expect. I want to have them leave with a smile on their face and satisfied. I choose to have a good attitude because that will help me do my very best every day.”

Santana began working for Job Options, Inc. starting in 2007 as a customer service representative at the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers’ Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) Enrollment Center at the Otay Mesa Port-of-Entry in San Diego, Calif. SENTRI is a program of the Dept. of Homeland Security and Santana’s job involves helping customers enroll in SENTRI’s “Trusted Traveler” program and guiding SENTRI members on how to meet program requirements and remain in compliance.

Santana’s workplace is an excep-tionally busy facility where she assists customers side-by-side with

uniformed customs and border protection officers. Within that environment, Santana has earned the reputation of being a top-notch customer service representative best known for her ability to trans-form an agitated individual into a thankful consumer. “I like dealing with an upset customer and making them feel better by providing them with the very best service possible,” Santana said. Many customers take the time to tell Santana’s supervi-sor how much they appreciate her friendly and helpful demeanor.

Santana has a perfect attendance record at Job Options and her cheer-ful attitude on the job is outstand-ing. “When she arrives at work, one can almost feel the difference in the air because of her special ability to touch others with her positive nature,” Jarquin explained. “She takes the term ‘can do’ to another level and makes it: ‘What else can I do?’ She has helped her co-workers during tough times by being the positive light when they were feeling down. Her genuine concern and interest in other people is quite obvious and greatly appreciated.”

From Santana’s perspective, she is the lucky recipient of her colleagues’ support and the opportunity for employment via the AbilityOne Program. “I just feel so fortunate to be working at a job that I love,” Santana said. “I had a lot of difficulty for several years trying to find a job and started to believe that being in a wheelchair was preventing me from receiving a job offer. Job Options, through Gladis Jarquin, my manager, uncovered skills I didn’t know I had and guided me to find the right job opportunity.”

Away from work, Santana is a wife and devoted mother of three children. She

Usdane Continued on Page 22

David Dubinsky, executive director NISH Pacific West Region, presents award to Rosamaria Santana.

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Villines National Award Winner

conveys a sincere appreciation for her successful work and personal life as well as an enduring commitment to help others.

William M. Usdane East Region Award

Julius PowellLakeview Center, Inc.Washington, D.C.

Julius Powell exemplifies the success individuals with significant disabili-ties can achieve when they are given the opportunity to work and the correct accommodations. In his AbilityOne® Program job as a floor care specialist for Lakeview Center, Inc. in Washington, D.C., Powell pays so much attention to detail that he will not hesitate to get on the floor for an up close view of an area he just cleaned.

Powell is responsible for making the hard floor surfaces sparkle for the hundreds of residents who live at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, D.C. and the employ-ees that care for them. According to Richard Gilmartin, president of Gulf Coast Enterprises and vice president of vocational services, Lakeview Center, Inc., Powell never hesitates to go the extra mile to get the job done—literally. “Mr. Powell is so dedicated to his work, employer,

and the people of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, that when the record winter snows of 2010 shut down the city’s public transportation, he simply motored his wheelchair the two miles from his home to work as soon as a path was clear,” Gilmartin said. “His wheelchair became his public transportation when many others simply elected to stay at home. Now that is one clear example of dedication to his work!”

Until he was employed by Lakeview Center’s Gulf Coast Enterprises in 2008, Powell’s attempts to find a job were stymied by potential employers who could not see past a spinal cord injury that resulted in his paralysis from the waist down. Not one to give up, Powell learned to use a motor-ized wheelchair and continuously sought the opportunity to work. The perfect position emerged after Gulf Coast Enterprises and NISH adapted a floor care machine for operation by persons with significant physical challenges. The same skills Powell needed to operate his powered wheelchair using a joystick control were made directly applicable to operating a ride-on floor scrub-ber “Boost” machine. It took only a few days for Powell to master the modified apparatus and the lift used to move him from his wheelchair onto the cleaner. “I can not describe it in words the joy and respect I have for these organizations that took a chance and made a way for a young man that had started to give up hope of ever finding a job,“ Powell said.

Powell has been featured in NISH’s Workplace magazine and Lakeview Center’s “2010 Service and Benefit Report.” He was selected as Gulf Coast Enterprises’ Employee of the Year for exemplifying the ability to overcome life’s challenges.

Powell’s AbilityOne Program job enables him to contribute to the overall support of the household he shares with mother. Away from work, Powell enjoys sports and

recently joined the Special Olympics as a participant in the winter games.

The ideals of the AbilityOne Program are personified in Powell. His deter-mination to work propelled him to overcome his challenges and years of unsuccessful job searches. “He is a model employee, conducting himself as a professional and a remark-able ambassador of the AbililtyOne Program,” Gilmartin noted. “He is one very capable man doing what he likes to do, working to make a differ-ence for others and his family.” H


Usdane Continued from Page 21

August 2011 | 23

VIllines National Award Winner

Llyod Cole GoodwillWestern Missouri and Eastern Kansas

When Llyod Cole went to Goodwill in 2001, he faced a number of barriers in finding and maintaining employ-ment because of his mental disability, difficulties compounded because Cole also resided in a homeless shelter.

Cole started with the AbilityOne Program as a janitor on the office cleaning crew for the GSA Bolling Federal Building. Working on the AbilityOne contract, Cole began to develop the required skills needed for success in the workplace, and made significant progress on the job. Over the years, Cole demonstrated he was a dedicated, hardworking, and reliable employee, and his hours and respon-sibilities gradually increased. Having a steady job and a regular paycheck enabled Cole to earn enough of an income to afford independent, permanent housing.

Anne Maloney, Vice President for Workforce Development at Goodwill stated “AbilityOne’s purpose was to develop the skills you need to get an income and get the rest of life in order.”

Seven years after beginning in the AbilityOne Program with part-time responsibilities, Cole advanced into a leadership role with the floor care team at the Bolling Federal Building. After receiving many perfect evalua-tions, Cole was ready to transition to full-time competitive employment. In March 2008, he became floor care team leader for the federal building.

With steady employment for more than nine years, Cole has grown his respon-sibilities and earned a reputation in the work place as a leader who enjoys what he does, and someone who continually supports those in the disability commu-nity who are following in his steps.

Maloney stated, “On the job, he sings, he smiles—he looks like he’s enjoying

his job, and that energy is transferred to his team.“

Outside of work, Cole contin-ues to be active in his community church, and volunteers in a number of ways— from teaching Sunday school, to taking care of the facilities by mowing the lawn, cleaning, and other maintenance work.

Nominations for the Villines Award are open to people who have successfully graduated to other employment follow-ing work in the AbilityOne Program. Supervisors nominate employees based on specific criteria, including the nominee’s movement within the workplace, how the nominee enhances the work environment, as well as specific attributes that distinguished the individual as an outstanding AbilityOne employee. Goodwill in Kansas City employs about 100 people with disabilities per year; and about 10 percent graduate out of the program into competitive work.

“From where Lloyd started to where he is now is fantastic,” said Maloney. “We don’t make a difference; we give people the opportunity to make difference in their own lives.” H

Evelyne Villines National Award WinnerThis award is presented each year to an individual with a disability who exhibits exceptional character and out-standing achievement in the workplace and has advanced from work in the AbilityOne® Program into a job with private or government sector employment or management within a nonprofit agency (NPA).

Lloyd Cole (center) accepts Villines National Award from Bob Chamberlin and Gregory Bender.

Cole and Andrew Houghton, Committee for Purchase chairperson, share a hug during the award presentation.

24 | NISH WORKPLACE


Evelyne Villines South Region AwardRamona HibbertDublin VA Medical CenterDublin, Ga.

Ramona Hibbert was an indispensi-ble member of the switchboard staff at the Carl Vinson Veterans Admin-istration (VA) Medical Center in Dublin, Ga. She routinely jumped in to perform whatever tasks needed to be done and others followed her lead. According to Hibbert’s former Switchboard Supervisor, Daryl Boone, “She (Hibbert) was always a step ahead and did more than was ever asked of her.” Hibbert under-stood how her job performance directly contributed not only to the success of the VA switchboard contract, but also to Bobby Dodd Institute’s (BDI’s) continued capac-ity to create more jobs for people with disabilities. Unfortunately, Hibbert recently resigned from her position on the switchboard because of personal health issues.

“I appreciate Bobby Dodd for the job that I have,” Hibbert said. “And the better we do on this contract, the better for Bobby Dodd on further contracts.”

After moving to Dublin in 1998 and securing employment at Mohawk Industries, Hibbert was compelled to resign from her job after she developed a worsening limp and could not meet the physical demands of her position. With the understanding that physical labor was no longer an option, Hibbert pursued training in office admin-istration skills, ultimately earning a certificate in medical coding. She again sought work, but to no avail. Then in 2003, Hibbert was diagnosed with multiple sclero-sis. Still seeking employment, BDI contacted her about the switch-board operator position available

on an AbilityOne contract at the VA Medical Center in Dublin.

Soon after starting the job with BDI, Hibbert was promoted to assistant supervisor. In that role, she acted as the lead operator, served as the back-up supervisor and trained all new hires. Hibbert was ecstatic to earn those added responsibilities. “I found that working at a job that I can do, and being the best, helps me better face life with a disability,” Hibbert said.

The job of a switchboard operator is rarely routine, but Hibbert proved she could respond to whatever challenge might occur. An important example is a call Hibbert handled one weekend from a veteran threatening to commit suicide. She calmed the man down and made sure he got the medical care he needed. Afterwards, the veteran and his wife visited the switchboard to person-ally thank Hibbert for her compassion and help at that critical moment.

VA Medical Centers can be extremely busy facilities and the center in Dublin is no exception. When BDI started the contract in 2006, Boone carefully tracked the names and extensions of the ever-expanding VA staff so that the switchboard operators would never have to leave a caller waiting while searching for the correct number. When Hibbert came on board, she quickly realized the critical nature of that document and embraced the responsibility of maintaining it. “I never asked her to be responsible for updating it, but I’m grateful that she did,” Boone said. “She just did a fantas-tic job for me. She went above and beyond what she had to do to make sure the switchboard ran just right.”

Evelyne Villines Pacific West Region Award

Jon CunninghamPARCRoy, Utah

Courage, hard work and tenacity have propelled Jon Cunningham to overcome personal barriers and achieve his life goals. According Robert Daniels, CEO of the Clearfield, Utah-based nonprofit agency (NPA) PARC, Cunningham is distinguished for viewing his employment via the AbilityOne Program not merely as a job, but as an opportunity to gain new skills and help others. “He took advantage of the employment oppor-tunities presented to him and became a true success story,” Daniels said.

Looking back to his first AbilityOne job with PARC as a custodian, Cunningham recalls that he chose to view the position as an endless oppor-tunity to progress professionally. “I treated everyday as a possible new job interview,” Cunningham said. “I smiled to everyone and gave my best effort because you never knew who you might connect with.” Currently employed as a sheet metal worker at Hill Air Force Base (HAFB) Wing Shop on A-IO aircrafts, Cunning-ham retains that same perspective and feels great pride about his hard earned job skills. “I have two sons that have enlisted with the Marine Corp,” Cunningham said. “The aircrafts I’m working on could be sent to protect my sons one day. I want to make sure that our military men and women return to their families and children safely.”

After moving as child from a small rural town in Colo., Cunningham

David Dubinsky, executive director Pacific West Region, presents Villines regional award to Jon Cunningham.

August 2011 | 25

VIllines Regional Award Recipients

struggled to adapt to his new life in Salt Lake City. As an adult, Cunning-ham became despaired following a divorce, injury and chronic mental illness. According to Cunningham, the AbilityOne Program and PARC provided the opportunity for him to get back on his feet.

To become qualified for his current position as an aircraft sheet metal worker, Cunningham enrolled at the Davis Applied Technology College (DATC) in Kaysville, Utah, and completed an 18-month course in aircraft electronics and sheet metal. He paid his own tuition and follow-ing a full day of work, Cunningham travelled by bus or van-pool to the college and attended class for five hours each evening, four days a week.

Cunningham eagerly applauds the thoughtfulness of others who have reached out to him over the years. After struggling with his finances, Cunningham expressed deep appre-ciation for a finance officer at HAFB who helped him set up a money savings plan. “She helped me pay off my creditors and last year was the first year I received a tax refund,” Cunningham said. “I now have a 700 Credit Score, own a house, a truck and continue to travel.”

Away from the job, Cunningham enjoys travel and has visited a long list of other states and cities across the country. “It is amazing to think that not long ago I felt like I was on the outside of the world looking in,” Cunningham. “Now I feel like I’m a part of the world and making a differ-ence for my community.”

Cunningham’s indefatigability, passion for work and concern for others sets a high standard for all to follow.

Evelyne Villines Northwest Region Award

Ranale Wiseman BH Services Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D.

Ranale Wiseman is a prized switch-board operator at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. because of her fierce dedication to the job, aptitude for gathering information and excellent retention of numbers. She served as the lead operator on the switchboard from 2001 to 2010 and recently was promoted to contract supervisor. “Ranale (Wiseman) went from being a person served to a management position,” said Beth DuBay, project manager at BH Services, Inc. “She is an excellent leader.”

Wiseman’s success as an AbilityOne employee exemplifies the infinite possibilities that can emerge from good job accommodations. Severe hearing loss and cerebral palsy require her to use a hearing aid and an ampli-fied headset to operate the switch-board. According to DuBay, Wiseman is a top producer who handles more than 800 calls on a busy day and continuously strives for excellence.

Furthermore, Wiseman always seeks to help others and is renowned for developing innovative, out-of-the box techniques for reminding her fellow operators how much she values their work.

Wiseman has used her skills as a self-starter and leader to improve switchboard operations. When she first started working on the switch-board, all the documents the opera-tors regularly referenced for their job were paper-based. Wiseman suggested utilizing the computer on which the master station log was stored and offered to input all data from the hard copy switchboard documents and keep them up to date. “Ranale (Wiseman) became the go-to person in the office,” DuBay said. “She knew where to find the information requested by subscrib-ers and frequently remembered a phone number without looking it up. She is still the most knowledgeable operator today about squadron hierar-chy and base numbers.”

Wiseman is always the first to offer to fill in for a colleague or stay late. She has been instrumental in making sure her co-workers become more proficient at their jobs by providing subscribers with the information they request quickly and accurately. When the switchboard office finally became computerized, Wiseman helped train her co-workers and today she continues to use her free time between calls to input updates.

“She (Wiseman) knows what needs to be done and does it in an efficient manner,” DuBay said. “She has worked alone through blizzards that lasted for days. We are a 24-hour switchboard, so we must always complete the mission and Ranale (Wiseman) can be counted on to execute perfectly.”

Following her promotion to super-visor, Wiseman implemented very valuable changes. She documented training sheets that point out both the

Pictured l to r: Jeff Dolen; Ranale Wiseman, Northwest Region Villines Award winner and Rick van Hoose, executive director NISH Northwest Region.

Villines Continued on Page 26

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areas for improvement and positive attributes of a trainee. She has been instrumental in helping her colleagues become more independent by teach-ing them life skills including money management, the differentiation of wants versus needs and how to set personal goals.

Away from the switchboard, Wiseman frequents the local YMCA gym and participated in multiple events during her local YMCA’s Corporate Cup Challenge. She has learned to crochet and this year made a beautiful baby blanket for a foster child at a local day care. According to DuBay, “Ranale (Wiseman) has a personality that just shines.”

Evelyne Villines East Region AwardMarlon WilkinsSOC EnterprisesArlington, Va.

Marlon Wilkins provides outstand-ing leadership and an unwavering commitment to the highest quality standards. His supervisors describe him as a “top performer” in his role as project manager for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) distribution center in Hyattsville, Md. According to Juan Salas, government

operations director for SOC Enter-prises, “His (Wilkins’) rise to manager status is a textbook example of how hard work and personal initiative can lead to success.”

In 1994, following two years at a Department of Rehabilitative Services (DRS) Ready-To-Work program, Marlon joined SOC Enterprises of Arlington, Va. as a production worker on an AbilityOne Program contract at the Government Services Admin-istration (GSA) Office of Transporta-tion Audits. Two years later, he was promoted to assistant supervisor and soon thereafter, requested the opportu-nity to become a manager. He enrolled in leadership training and volunteered to work with managers at other sites in order to enhance his leadership abilities. Subsequently, Wilkins was promoted to a supervisory position where he was responsible for process-ing 260,000-300,000 billing documents and assisting with 730 federal report-ing activities each month. In 2008, Wilkins was elevated to assistant project manager of SOC Enterprises’ AbilityOne contract for the ATF.

When the ATF contract was relocated to a new site in 2008 and the project manager left, Wilkins quickly stepped up to the role of project manager. Under his leadership, the team maintained a 99 percent accuracy rate, a remarkable accomplishment because of a backlog of work that occurred during the office relocation. Next, a contract requirement change compelled Wilkins to process double the usual number of forms each month (from 350,000 to 700,000). In addition to initially handling the increased workload, Wilkins simultaneously trained an additional six new employ-ees. His outstanding job performance during this period was later applauded during a personal “thank you” call from ATF Director Ken Melson.

Over the years, Wilkin has received several accolades for exceptional performance. After learning he had received this year’s Evelyne Villines

East Region Award, he expressed surprise and pride. “I feel I’m an example for persons with disabilities,” Wilkins said. “I am proof that even with a disability, one can go on to climb the ladder, be successful and manage a large AbilityOne contract.”

Wilkins shares deep gratitude for the opportunities he has been able to take advantage of as an AbilityOne employee. “I am happy that there are companies out there like SOC Enter-prises and programs like AbilityOne who give persons with disabilities a chance,” Wikins said. “A chance to be somebody, a chance to be a productive citizen, a chance to go out and fight for the same jobs that (so called) ‘normal people’ fight for, a chance to go out in public and not be looked down upon, a chance to be treated with respect, a chance to have a voice, a chance to be somebody. That’s all we ask for, because even though some of us use a wheel-chair, walker or walk and talk a little differently, we’re still human, we have feelings and we will be treated with the utmost respect.” H

Villines Continued from Page 25

August 2011 | 29

Employee Awards

Sergeant Bret DiFrancesco Houston, Texas

Sergeant Bret DiFrancesco joined the Army Reserves shortly after he graduated high school in Bloom-ington, Minn., in 1997, and served with the Reserves all over the country before his unit, the 1-36th Infantry Battalion, was activated in 2005. During deployment, DiFran-cesco was responsible for disarm-ing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) by hand. While on guard duty in July 2006, he was injured as he was securing a blast site in Iraq, after an IED went off outside his unit’s gate. As the second IED went off, DiFrancesco was engulfed in flames and thrown to the ground. Although bleeding and injured, DiFrancesco quickly assessed the attack, picked up his rifle and engaged the enemy. He also picked up a fellow soldier who was severely wounded, carry-ing him to a collection point before driving to the nearest aid station 30 minutes away. For these efforts,

DiFrancesco received an Army Commendation Medal of Valor for saving a soldier’s life and is a recipi-ent of the Purple Heart.

DiFrancesco was kept in recovery for a month, but his injuries were exten-sive, and he sustained ear damage, traumatic brain injury and PTSD.

When he first returned home from the Army, DiFrancesco describes feeling “lost” because he was unable to work, and while he received disability pay, it wasn’t enough to cover his expenses. It was during this time DiFrancesco went to visit his old unit at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and during his trip, he was introduced to PCSI and was able to secure full-time employment on an AbilityOne contract doing light maintenance at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State. DiFrancesco describes this as a life changing event.

DiFrancesco says of his job and

the opportunity it created for him, “This is when I realized the country I fought for now fights for me.” His role at PCSI enables him the time needed to go to rehabilitation, offers him the flexibility to work with some of his lingering physical challenges from the war in Iraq, and allows him to earn a paycheck necessary to live an independent life.

“I still believe in the Army values,” DiFrancesco said, “and they can be applied to AbilityOne.”

In his spare time, DiFrancesco is heavily involved in volunteer activi-ties and participates in rehabilitation programs for other veterans with disabilities. DiFrancesco participates in Project Healing Waters, which is an organization dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabili-tation of active military service personnel and veterans with disabili-ties. He is a member of the local Moose’s Lodge, is a volunteer to take children fishing, and is active with the Wounded Warrior program, taking other injured or veterans with disability on various hunts. H

Honor Roll for Veterans with Disabilities Award The AbilityOne® Honor Roll for Veterans with Disabilities Award recognizes a veteran with a significant disability who has exhibited outstanding achievement in his or her work life.

Bob Chamberlin (left) and Gregory Bender (right) present the Honor Roll for Veterans Award to Sgt. DiFrancesco.

Sgt. DiFrancesco shares thoughts with attendees after accepting his award.

30 | NISH WORKPLACE

The Presidential appointees unani-mously voted to present this award to Thomas Bouchard, deputy chief, of the Natick Contracting Division at the Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Grounds.

Under Bouchard’s leadership at Natick Contracting Division, Soldier Systems Branch, Bouchard has helped create jobs for more than 1,000 people who are blind or have other significant disabilities, includ-ing employment to 112 people who would otherwise be on reduced hours or completely without work. He routinely invites and guides AbilityOne nonprofit agencies to be involved in the manufacturing and development process and initial production runs. Such early and joint participation are important factors that go a long way in assur-ing a successful outcome and long-term business relationship.

Here are a few things the military has received due to Bouchard’s strong support of AbilityOne. This is only a partial list of hundreds of apparel and equipment contracts being provided by AbilityOne through Bouchard’s direction and leadership.

� Army Extreme Cold Weather Clothing Systems

� New chemical protection suit for combat vehicle crews

� Army Combat Shirt � Army Combat Uniform in

Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern and Fire Resistant variations

� Army Mountain Kit � Air Force Fleece Jacket � Multi-Climate Protection System

for Navy Air Crews � Navy Working Uniform Blouse,

Pant, Fleece Jacket, Cap � Special Operations Forces

Protective Combat Uniform

One significant insight into Boucha-rd’s commitment to helping people with significant disabilities began with a conversation at a local restau-rant with a part-time waiter and full-time high school teacher of adolescents with significant disabili-ties. David Antonelli, a teacher at Nipmuc Regional High School, expressed to Bouchard his concern for the future job prospects of his students after high school. Bouchard was reminded of a need Natick had to close out government contracts and pitched the idea of using some of Antonelli’s students to be trained to perform the work. Bouchard contacted NISH who helped him work with Antonelli and Work, Inc., to develop a government contract to equip some of his students to assist Natick to review open govern-ment contracts to identify unused procurement monies and assist the government to recapture unspent funds and close-out the contracts. This program has served as a model for other government contracting agencies and AbilityOne nonprofit agencies working together in contract close out. H

Dick Alley AwardEach year, the Alley Award is given to a federal employee whose sustained dedication and support of the AbilityOne® Program are exemplary and worthy of the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled’s (Committee) highest recognition. The Committee’s highest achievement award is named for the late Dick Alley, who gave 25 years of dedicated service to the Committee as its deputy executive director.

Employee Awards

Andrew Houghton, Committee for Purchase chairperson, presents the Dick Alley Award to Tom Bouchard.

NISH publications are entering the digital age…and we want you to be our guest. If you would like to receive publications electronically, please send your request to [email protected].

In the subject line, use “Digital Workplace”

Digital SubscriptionNovember 2010

ArrA Development

Grants Grow

resources & Jobs

for People with

DisabilitiesAdelante

Opens New

Site for Seniors

Mvle, Northrop

Grumman Sign

DoD Mentor

Protégé Agreement

Planning for Procurement with the AbilityOne Program in 2011

September 2010

DSCP Tours PROVAIL Facility in Washington

ECVC President Announces Retirement, New President Named

February 2011

Tapping Into the

Power of NIsh

Academy Training

to Double Jobs

Passion, Jolly

spirit Produces

Amazing services

for VA Patients

Putting America’s

heroes to Work

Booz Allen Hamilton

Highlights AbilityOne’s

Success Employing

Veterans with Disabilities

32 | NISH WORKPLACE

John Miller Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin

“Like Milt Cohen, John Miller is a man of unquestioned integrity who practices the highest ethical business conduct. Throughout his career, John has answered the call to provide leadership when needed, and I can think of no better leader to win this award for his service and advocacy to our field,” says Michael Carney, CEO of Knox County ARC, who has served with Miller on the NISH board of directors.

Miller has worked with AbilityOne Program for the past 35 years. In addition to serving on the NISH board, he has also served as chair of the Quality Work Environment Initia-tive of the Committee of Purchase in 2009, which helped develop a national process to focus on the workplaces, career paths, and ultimately, the career

achievements of persons with disabili-ties in the AbilityOne Program.

Miller joined the Milwaukee Goodwill in 1975 as director of Professional Services, becoming vice president in 1978 and President in 1982. Under his direction, GWSEW has grown into one of the largest providers of workforce development and training services in the United States. For the past 25 years, GWSEW has been the largest of 161 Goodwill organizations in the country and is a member of the AbilityOne Network of more than 600 nonprofit agencies associated with the Program.

Reflecting on his long-standing career, he states, “My job is to find one job for one employee. AbilityOne brings together resources needed to accomplish this, and if you do a good job, you keep the job for a long time.”

In 1976, one year after he started with Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin, Goodwill secured its first AbilityOne contract with the Naval Station Great Lakes. Through the years, this initial contract has grown into a partnership that includes three contracts and employs more than 1,000 individuals; with more than 700 men and women with significant disabilities. Miller has helped win and has overseen contracts with the base that provides more than 1.4 million hours annually of employment for those with significant disabilities.

Miller says that adding even just one job can be measured as success. “Jobs are hard to get, and costly, so serving more is an accomplishment. AbilityOne offers great service on a cost-effective scale, and has the resources to support these jobs.”

Miller believes the quality work offered by AbilityOne participants contribute to the consistency and longevity of the contract with the Navy base noting, “Long-standing jobs are important because you can then map career paths. There are growth opportunities, and a number of employees move up into other positions on the base, from assistant cooks, to lead workers, to supervisors. We can then offer a career path to those in the Program, explore it, utilize the workforce, and build from there. The partnership with the Navy has been wonderful.”

Miller’s award recognizes his contribu-tions to people with significant disabili-

Milt Cohen Leadership Award John Miller Goodwill The Milt Cohen Award recognizes an individual working within the AbilityOne® Program who has demonstrated national leadership on behalf of the AbilityOne Program. The award is named for Milton Cohen, a leading national spokesperson and advocate for people with disabilities.

The National Council of Work Centers (NCWC) is an independent organization comprised of executive-level individuals from NPAs that provide services or products to the federal government under the AbilityOne Program.

Employee Awards

Pictured l to r: Bob Chamberlin; John Miller, Cohen award recipient; Jerry Bettendhauser, NCWC president and Gregory Bender.

Milt Cohen Continued on Page 47

August 2011 | 33

Rosemary LombaCombat Clothing & Equipment TeamU.S. Army Soldier RD & E CenterNatick, Mass.

Rosemary Lomba is an unwavering supporter of the AbilityOne program and the nonprofit agencies (NPAs) that produce garments for the U.S. Marine Corps through the Combat Clothing & Equipment Team

U.S. Army Soldier RD&E Center in Natick, Mass. Since 1993, she has worked enthusiastically to promote the quality and expertise of AbilityOne contractors to federal agencies and the commercial market-place. Through her efforts, thousands of jobs have been created for people with significant disabilities.

“Rosemary has created a wonder-ful, collaborative partnership with AbilityOne, NPA’s and the military customer,” said Karen Jury, senior vice president and director of marketing for Peckham, Inc. of Lansing, Mich. “We were thrilled she won. Her impact on the AbilityOne Program and the

jobs she has helped create for persons with significant disabilities makes her so deserving of this recognition.”

Fifteen years ago, Lomba approached Peckham, Inc. with the concept for developing a fleece jacket. The collaboration resulted in a multi-year AbilityOne contract, creating jobs for more than 800 for people with significant disabilities. In 2005, Lomba shifted her focus to flame resistant garments, which resulted in job opportunities for 45 people with significant disabilities. Additionally, 60 AbilityOne employees at Peckham produce flame resistant mid-weight layer garments on an AbilityOne contract awarded by the U.S. Army Soldier RD&E Center in Natick.

“Rosemary (Lomba) meets with Peckham’s design team to work in partnership on concept ideas and other improvements to Marine Corps garments three to five times a year,” said Cheryl Wright, Peckham apparel program manager. “Rosemary (Lomba) keeps her finger on the pulse of changes in the fabric industry. She is aware of any improvement that might

be used to improve current designs and performance. Whether it is anti-microbial, moisture wicking capabili-ties, flame resistant, no melt-no drip qualities, Rosemary (Lomba) will take advantage of the developments to create a better performing garment for our armed forces. She plays a key role in ensuring the war fighter is getting the right products at the right time to benefit the soldier.”

Lomba uses her in depth understand-ing of garment fit, form and function in assisting the Peckham design team ensure efficient production processes so garments can be readily manufac-tured. “She cares about the people and creating opportunities.” Jury said. “She spends time with our workforce on the production floor and works with individual AbilityOne employ-ees. She listens to them and is always willing to make changes as necessary to ensure persons with significant disabilities can participate in the manufacturing of these garment.”

Lomba wholeheartedly believes in the abilities of people with disabili-ties. She recommends AbilityOne contracts to other federal government program offices and project manag-ers. She mentors NPAs and helps them create more jobs by using her exten-sive design expertise and technical background to create opportunities.

Lomba has created a partnership approach in finding solutions and seeking out new opportunities. Even during difficult situations, her support of the AbilityOne program never waivers. Through her leadership, we have built solid relationships with the AbilityOne program, NPAs and the supplier community. H

AbilityOne® Program Customer Awards - Government Award For Products This award recognizes a military or other federal agency that has provided outstanding support to the AbilityOne Program for products.

Government Awards

Rosemary Lomba (center) accepts award presented by Bob Chamberlin and Gregory Bender.

34 | NISH WORKPLACE

GSA, Great Lakes Region/OhioChicago, Ill.

The U.S. General Services Administra-tion (GSA) Great Lakes Region/Ohio has been a committed AbilityOne Program customer for more than two decades. Today, the agency supports 100 jobs for people with significant disabilities via seven AbilityOne Program contracts managed by Vocational Guidance Services (VGS) of Cleveland, Ohio.

“We were very elated that GSA was selected for this prestigious national award,” said Bob Comben, VGS presi-dent and CEO. “We felt that this was a truly well deserved recognition for a government agency that is committed to the AbilityOne Program. We have worked with so many people in the GSA Great Lakes Region and from top to bottom they believe in what we do and who we serve.”

As a longtime, dedicated supporter of the employment of people with

significant disabilities, GSA Great Lakes Region/Ohio has offered a variety of supports such as the train-ing and professional development of AbilityOne employees. “General Services Administration staff is always willing to assist Vocational Guidance Services Inc. with any and all training,” Comben said. “Regular in-service training sessions are conducted for VGS consumers that include building security, build-ing safety, tenant interaction and customer service.”

GSA Great Lakes Region/Ohio collaborates closely with VGS. At each contract site, GSA representatives along with NISH contract managers meet with VGS on a monthly basis. These monthly partnering meetings have developed into a model for strengthening communications, quality, tenant satisfaction and overall contract success. “GSA representatives from the Chicago regional office to the field offices in Cleveland, Youngstown and Columbus have consistently been

professional and compassionate in working with VGS, Inc.,” Comben noted.

One example of the successful partnership between VGS and GSA is the AbilityOne custodial services contract at Howard M. Metzenbaum U.S. Courthouse in Cleveland. In June 2010, the facility won the government building category of the 2009-2010 Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY®) Award. It honors “the best of the best” in commercial build-ings and is presented annually by the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International. To win the International TOBY® award, as the Metzenbaum Court-house did, a building must first must win the local and regional compe-titions in its category. Last year, a record-setting 94 buildings competed for the distinction.

Shawna E. Goldner, assistant property manager, Cleveland Court-houses Field Office, GSA, Public Buildings Service (PBS), Great Lakes Region noted that the TOBY® award was a result of VGS and GSA teamwork, determination and focus on a common goal. “The award is a great honor,” Goldner said. “It boosts morale and brings pride to the GSA, the federal govern-ment and VGS. It was a very proud moment for everyone.”

Mutual respect, excellent commu-nication and a close and supportive working relationship make Govern-ment Services Administration (GSA) Great Lakes Region/Ohio an outstand-ing advocate for the employment of people with disabilities and the AbilityOne Program. H

AbilityOne® Program Customer Awards - Government Award For Services - Civilian This award recognizes a civilian federal agency that has provided outstanding support to the AbilityOne Program for services.

Government Awards

Bob Chamberlin (left) and Gregory Bender (right) present government award to Kimberly Bogan-Ridley.

August 2011 | 35

Pamela M. Munoz Joint Base Lewis-McChord Mission & Installation Contracting Command, Wash.

Pamela Munoz, director of Installa-tion Contracting Command (MICC) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Wash., is a longstanding advocate of the AbilityOne Program. As a result, more than 400 people with disabilities are currently employed at JBLM, including many service-disabled veterans.

“Her (Munoz’s) faith in our program has created a win¬-win situation for the Army, AbilityOne and individu-als with disabilities seeking jobs in the region,” said Jeff Dolven, CEO, Skookum. Dolven leads one of three NISH-affiliated nonprofit agencies (NPAs) that manage AbilityOne contracts at JBLM. He joined with two other NPA leaders—Rich Gilmartin, president of Lakeview Center’s Gulf Coast Enterprises and Ace Burt, presi-

dent and CEO at PCSI—to nominate Munoz for this award. According to all three leaders, Munoz is outspoken and pro-active, and it definitely makes a difference.

“At first, I was overwhelmed to hear that three major NPAs we work with were joining together to nominate MICC JBLM for this award,” Munoz said. “When it was announced we won, I felt it was a true testament to our partnership and dedication to delivery quality services to the JBLM military community by providing jobs for people with disabilities, including service-disabled veterans.”

Examples of Munoz’s success-ful promotion of the AbilityOne Program include organizing meetings with end-users at JBLM to advocate for the quality and reliability of AbilityOne employ-ees. Notably, she is working with the Command at Yakima Training Center in Washington to consider

tapping the AbilityOne Program for total facilities maintenance. In 2009, Munoz referred three new contracts to the AbilityOne Program: First Sergeant’s Barracks Program, Dining Facility Attendant Services and Custodial Services—ultimately doubling the number of people with disabilities employed at the Center.

Ace Burt, President and CEO, PCSI, describes Munoz as: “…without question one of the biggest, most committed supporters in the entire AbilityOne network. The significant number of people with disabilities working at JBLM today is a testa-ment to her (Munoz’s) commit-ment to the AbilityOne Program.” Gilmartin agreed. “Munoz is a true champion of the AbilityOne Program and the ability of people with disabilities to accomplish mission-critical services in support of JBLM,” Gilmartin said. “Her can-do attitude has resulted in meaningful jobs for people often left out of any employ-ment opportunities. We are delighted to have become a part of the JBLM mission as the provider of mess attendant services, creating over 200 jobs for people with disabilities.”

Munoz is a stellar example of AbilityOne Program leader-ship within the U.S. Military. She champions the quality of work performed by AbilityOne employees and clearly is impassioned by the difference a job makes in the lives of veterans and others with signifi-cant disabilities. H

AbilityOne® Program Customer Awards - Government Award For Services - MilitaryThis award recognizes a local military installation that has provided outstanding support, technical or other assistance to an AbilityOne-producing nonprofit agency (NPA) that is providing a service under the AbilityOne Program.

Government Awards

Pictured l to r: Bob Chamberlin; Pamela Munoz, director, Joint Base Lewish-McChord and Gregory Bender.

36 | NISH WORKPLACE

Rosanne RenauerMichigan Rehabilitation ServicesLansing, Mich.

Rosanne Renauer is a superior community leader and advocate for people with disabilities to have access to quality and high-wage job opportu-nities. In her role as District Manager, Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS), she works closely with local and state partner agencies to obtain funding, identify appropriate referral sources and develop specific programs based on the needs of the individuals with disabilities that she serves.

Renauer emphasizes partnership and the principle of “customer first” in meeting the needs of employees with significant disabilities effectively and efficiently. Last year, with the help of her team, area employers and the AbilityOne program, Renauer placed more than 400 individuals with signifi-cant disabilities in jobs across a four-county area of the state. “Rosanne (Renauer) made the commitment of providing a full-time MRS counselor

on site at Peckham,” said Mitch Tomlin-son, CEO of Peckham, Inc., a nonprofit agency (NPA) based in Lansing, Mich. “This collaboration provides real-time customer service and enables AbilityOne employees to have immedi-ate access to necessary supports.”

Renauer has distinguished herself as an advocate for people with disabilities by her longstanding support of NPAs such as Peckham and her collabora-tive style. “One of my co workers likes to tease me about being a ‘peace love’ and win-win kind of person, but it’s actually as simple as doing the right thing,” Renauer said. “Knowing what the right thing is may not always be clear, but what is clear is the fact that because of this partnership, hundreds of people have good paying jobs that allow them to participate in their own success, give back to the community, help the economy and live their lives. What is wrong with that? It’s a definite win-win in my book.”

According to Tomlinson, Renauer culti-vates an environment that encourages rehabilitation counselors to truly partner

with Peckham. This was apparent when Peckham was filling positions in the National Passport Information Center in Lansing, a project that required an immediate response. “Rosanne (Renauer) committed four counselors to work alongside Peckham staff conduct-ing interviews and identifying persons with disabilities who would benefit from this AbilityOne employment opportu-nity,” Tomlinson said.

Renauer has worked for MRS for three decades. In 1992, Rosanne accepted statewide leadership and management of the agency’s resource development function, making her responsible for more than $7 million in grant funding, including program management for independent living, community rehabili-tation programs and innovation and expansion initiatives. In this position, she co-wrote the Detroit Empower-ment Zone grant, helped raise $50,000 in support of the first Youth Leadership Forum and initiated the first Women and Disabilities Conference. In 2004, Renauer received the Guy F. Hubbard Award from the National Rehabilitation Association for “Outstanding Leadership in Rehabilitation.”

Renauer continuously promotes quality work opportunities for people with disabilities and today she is working within the Michigan public vocational rehabilitation system to mentor the emerging leaders in this industry so that citizens with disabili-ties continue to benefit. Her leadership and outreach to people with significant disabilities and the organizations that serve them provides timely problem solving and easy access to the neces-sary processes, programs and supports required for individual success. H

Government Award For State/Local OfficialsThis award encourages state and local government officials and policymakers to develop relationships with AbilityOne-producing nonprofit agencies (NPAs); it encourages those officials to support local NPAs and AbilityOne® Program efforts; it recognizes those officials for NPA relationships and program support; and it recognizes NPAs that develop relationships with their state and local government officials and that encourage legislation that supports the AbilityOne Program mission.

Government Awards

Rosanne Renauer (center) accepts award presented by Bob Chamberlin (left) and Gregory Bender (right).

38 | NISH WORKPLACE

Big Idea Exchange

August 2011 | 39

Big Idea Exchange

August 2011 | 39

Back by popular demand! The Big Idea Exchange displayed more than 60 exhibits during the national conference. This year’s BIE provided more networking time and opportunities to interact with other nonprofit agencies (NPAs). Innovative ideas, lessons learned and best practices were displayed by NPAs during the event to share with peers and the AbilityOne® community.

40 | NISH WORKPLACE

NISH Academy

The NISH National Training and Achievement Conference is the perfect platform to come together as a community and learn best practices, connect with colleagues and grow your business initiatives with the AbilityOne Program. With an outstanding agenda filled with industry-leading speakers, special sessions, federal panels and entertaining events, specifically designed to help federal customers and nonprofit agencies meet and exceed their goals for this year and beyond.

NISH Academy

August 2011 | 41

42 | NISH WORKPLACE

Procurement List Additions

Shirt, Winter Dress, USCG, Unisex, Long Sleeve, Blue, PGC 496 NSN: PGC496Department Of Homeland SecurityU.S. Coast Guard - HQ Contract Operations (CG-912)Washington, DCContracting Officer: Richard MurphyWashington, DC(202) 475-3232Nonprofit Agency: Oswego Industries, Inc., Fulton, NY

Cotter Pin Assortment NSN: 5315-00-598-5916General Services AdministrationFort Worth, TXContract Specialist: Joshua WalkerFort Worth, TX (817) 574-4242Nonprofit Agency: Good Vocations, Inc.Macon, GA

Kit, Wiring, ATON Buoy NSN: 6150-01-040-6848Department of Homeland SecurityU.S. Coast GuardSFLC Procurement Branch 3Baltimore, MDContracting Officer: Joel NeilBaltimore, MD (410) 762-6486Nonprofit Agency: Greenville Rehabilitation CenteGreenville, SC

Neckdam, Chemical, Protective, JPACE, CPC, JC3, Green NSN: 8415-01-588-2047Department of the Army ResearchDevelopment & Engineering CommandNatick, MAContracting Officer: Thomas BouchardNatick, MA (508) 233-4026Nonprofit Agency: Peckham Vocational Industries, Inc.Lansing, MI

CustodialHumphreys Engineer CenterBuilding 25967701 Telegraph RoadAlexandria, VADepartment of the Army, XU W4LD USA HECSAAlexandria, VAContract Specialist: Karen Albert-WarrenFt. Belvoir, VA (703) 664-5000Nonprofit Agency: MVLE, Inc.Springfield, VA

JanitorialUS Army Corps of Engineers Records Holding Area (RHA)Transatlantic Programs Center188 Brooke Road

Winchester, VADepartment of the ArmyW31R Endiv Transatlantic Winchester, VAContract Specialist: Thuy Le’sWinchester, VA (540) 665-2657Nonprofit Agency: NW Works, Inc.Winchester, VA

MaintenanceU.S. Military Academy Preparatory SchoolWest Point, NYDepartment of the ArmyXR W6BA ACA West PointWest Point, NYContracting Officer: Denise ConklinWest Point, NY (845) 938-5102Nonprofit Agency: New Dynamics CorporationMiddletown, NY

OperationsCentral Issue FacilityFort Hood, TXDepartment of the ArmyW6QM Fort Sam Houston Contract CenterFort Sam Houston, TXContracting Officer: Raineye HolmesFort Sam Houston, TX (210) 221-4060Nonprofit Agency: Skookum Educational ProgramsBremerton, WA

Products

Services

August 2011 | 43

Public Policycorner

The Federal Insight

New Super Committee’s Work Will Impact Disability IssuesBy Tony Young, senior public policy strategist

The spending caps for fiscal year (FY 2012) enacted into law in August will pinch—for example, the funds allocated for the Labor-Health-Human Services-Education appropriations bill (which funds many health and disability income related programs that assist people with significant disabilities) is set to absorb a cut of well above $10 billion over FY 2011 spending levels. The results of the newly-created Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction could mean even less funding for these programs over the next decade.

The Joint Select Committee (also called the “super committee”) was created by S.365; the Budget Control Act of 2011 was signed into law on August 2. The committee consists of 12 sitting lawmakers—six from the Senate and six from the House of Representa-tives. Each chamber has seated three Democrats and three Republicans. The names of the appointees are listed at the end of this article.

The Select Committee must create a deficit reduction package that will cover FY 2012 through FY 2021 to target savings of at least $1.2 to $1.5 trillion—and they have the authority to find savings in excess of that amount. The committee can receive input from other Congressional committees (and the public), but is not bound by that input. It can look at all areas of the budget—discretionary and mandatory spend-ing, entitlements (e.g., Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid), and taxes—in crafting its deficit reduction recom-mendations. The Select Committee’s report is due to Congress by Novem-ber 23 and Congress will vote on it by December 23.

The House and Senate vote on the Select Committee’s recommended package are procedurally protected. No amendments will be allowed—it will be a straight up-or-down, yes-or-no vote on the package as a whole. The vote by December 23 is guaranteed by the statute—Congressional leaders have no authority to postpone the vote, or fail to bring the package to their respective chambers for a decisive vote.

If the Select Committee fails to recommend a deficit reduction plan to Congress (or if the plan they recommend falls short of the savings targets, or if Congress fails to approve the committee’s plan), there will be automatic across-the-board spending cuts, starting in FY 2013. The automatic spending cuts would come approxi-mately equally from defense/security spending and from other discretion-ary spending. Medicare cuts would be capped at two percent and would fall only on providers. Social Security and Medicaid would be exempt from the cuts (as would military compensation).

Among the first decisions the Select Committee will have to make is whether to tackle entitlement and tax reform in addition to identify-ing discretionary and/or mandatory spending cuts. These are issues that most Washington insiders think would just about guarantee gridlock on the evenly-divided committee, but for the threat posed by the harsh and automatic across-the-board spending cuts mandated under the statute.

Of course, to the extent some of the target savings is achieved through new revenues, or through entitlement

program reforms, less has to come from discretionary programs. These considerations will complicate the Select Committee’s work from its beginning and throughout its three-month lifespan.

The implications of the Joint Select Committee’s work for people with signif-icant disabilities and their advocates are hard to overstate. The committee’s task is big—the committee’s decisions will affect virtually every segment of Ameri-can society; thus each interest group is competing against one another.

SUPER COMMITTEE MEMBERS:Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) named to the committee:

� Sen. Patty Murray* (D-WA), Secretary of the Democratic Conference and Chairwoman of the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee

� Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and Chairman of the Joint Committee on Taxation

� Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) named to the committee:

� Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ), Senate Minority Whip

� Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), Former Head of the of the Office of Management and Budget and Member of the Senate Budget Committee

� Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA), Member of the Senate Budget and Joint Economic Committees

Public Policy Continued on Page 47

44 | NISH WORKPLACE

By Tony Young, senior public policy strategist, and Danea M. Kehoe, Esq.

View from

The Federal Insight

New Debt-Deficit Law Signifies Steep Spending CutsOn August 2, with just hours to spare prior to a projected default by the U.S. on its debt, Congress enacted and President Obama signed into law S.365, the Budget Control Act. The new law authorizes an increase in the government’s borrowing author-ity sufficient to pay all bills until (FY) 2013. It also restricts government spending for 10 years. Further, it sets up a process for still deeper cuts in government expenditures through (FY) 2021.

The budget cuts affect virtually every federal program, including those that assist people with significant disabili-ties.

Generally, the new law:• Sets federal spending caps for each

of the next 10 fiscal years—for FY 2012, the overall discretionary spending cap is $1.043 trillion, a reduction of about $22 billion from FY 2011 levels. About half of this amount—between $535 billion and $568 billion—is allocated to defense spending which means Depart-ment of Defense, Department of Homeland security and Department of Veterans Affairs leaving about $476 billion to $508 billion to fund the rest of the discretionary spending budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

• Establishes a Joint Select Commit-tee on Deficit Reduction tasked with putting together a deficit reduction plan that will save an additional $1.2 to $1.5 trillion (or more) over 10 years.

• Requires automatic across the board discretionary spending cuts for FY 2013 through FY 2021 if the Joint Select Committee fails to offer a plan, offers a plan that falls short of its

savings target, or if Congress rejects the Joint Select Committee’s plan.

• Requires both the House and the Senate to vote on an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would require annual federal balanced budgets.

The new law resulted from intense controversy over how to manage the federal deficit. Generally, supporters of deficit control refused to allow an increase in federal borrowing author-ity until a debt management plan was approved. This resulted in the U.S. reaching its debt limit ceiling, and running out of options for inter-fund transfers, such that the country would have defaulted on its debt as of midnight August 2 had this law not been enacted.

The resulting compromise, embodied in S.365 averted default.

During the run-up to enact-ment of S.365, the United States’ three major credit rating agencies (Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch) had warned about the possibil-ity of a downgrade in the U.S. AAA credit rating. (China had already downgraded the U.S. credit rating from AAA to A+). Post enactment of S.365, Moody’s and Fitch affirmed continuation of the U.S. AAA credit rating, but on August 5 Standard & Poor’s downgraded the U.S. credit rating to AA+. The downgrade was attributed to the political situa-tion in Washington. China further downgraded the U.S. credit rating to A.

The apprehension from the credit rating downgrades adds intensity to the deficit reduction efforts in September and October. Plus, there

is also considerable worry about the impact of the across-the-board cuts—on defense spending as well as on non-defense discretionary spend-ing, including services and supports for people with significant disabilities and the nonprofit organizations that employ and support them.

Congress must approve funding for the government for FY 2012 (FY 2012 starts on October 1, 2011) as soon as lawmakers return from their August recess. None of the 12 regular appro-priations bills have yet to be enacted into law, although half have been approved either by the House or by the House Appropriations Commit-tee. The Senate has approved only one appropriations bill.

Thus, it is virtually certain that Congress will be working on funding the entire U.S. government for FY 2012 at the same time the Joint Select Committee is working on a $1.2 trillion to $1.5 trillion deficit reduc-tion plan to take effect in 2013. In play will be funding for such programs as Social Security disability income, health programs funded through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), housing and trans-portation assistance programs, jobs programs, and others. All of these will be competing with every other federal program, likely at the same time, in the same legislation.

The pressure, therefore, on funding decisions relative to the federal programs so important to people with significant disabilities will be intense, likely through the end of the year. H

The Workplace Inclusive

46 | NISH WORKPLACE

When Cole Browne began working at Cottonwood, Inc. in Lawrence, Kansas almost 10 years ago, he had some definite goals in mind. He wanted to work in the community, live indepen-dently and have a pet. Today, he’s achieved all three of those goals and done it quite successfully.

Though Browne has mild mental retardation and cerebral palsy, he hasn’t let it keep him from success. In 2002 he began working for Cotton-wood on the organization’s AbilityOne Defense Department contract to produce GCU1/b cargo tie-down straps for the military. He initially started on the packaging line but was quickly promoted to the sewing room, thanks to his conscientiousness and work ethic. There he performs criti-cal quality assurance on the strap’s hardware and keeps the sewing stations supplied with raw materials.

“I learned how to be a part of a team [by] working on our cargo tie down strap at Cottonwood,” Browne said.

Along the way, Browne also secured a job in the community, something he’d always wanted to do. Today, along with his job at Cottonwood, he’s also employed as a contract laundry atten-dant at a local hotel.

“I love this job,” he said. “I get to meet lots of people and I’ve made new friends.”

Browne also enjoys the job’s various tasks, including picking up laundry from housekeeping staff carts, sorting laundry, washing and folding.

“Cole’s many attributes include maintaining a professional demeanor while working in the community and at Cottonwood, maintaining a good work ethic and using his people skills to put others at ease,” said Sharon Spratt, CEO of Cottonwood. “He is an excellent advocate for himself and others, whether or not a person has a disability.”

His co-workers and supervisors also enjoy the sense of humor and infec-

tious positive attitude that he brings wherever he goes. According to Spratt, Browne is very outgoing and always the first to greet and welcome any newcomer to the workplace. He’s also quick to assume leadership when needed.

“Cole’s personality fits right into the hospitality industry,” said Jack Leipzig, Browne’s Cottonwood job coach. “He has a ready smile and kind word for everyone and he works very hard.”

Browne hasn’t been content to just be successful at work, though. He’s carried his desire to succeed into other areas of his life. He currently serves as president of the Self-Advocates of Lawrence and is active in the state association, the Self-Advocate Coalition of Kansas. He was also selected to serve on the Community Choice Reflection Team, which meets quarterly with Kansas Social and Rehabilitative Services staff, offering feedback on state-provided services.

As if that wasn’t enough, Browne also takes continuing education classes, participates in local theatre and sings in the Cottonwood choir.

“He’s widely regarded as a Cotton-wood ambassador and volunteers for many of our community fundrais-ing events, serving as a well-known greeter,” Spratt said.

Thanks to believing in himself and the help and skills he’s gained through Cottonwood, Browne has achieved his goals. He lives in his own duplex, works in the community and loves his new companion— a small dog named Chevron. H

AbilityOne® Program Success Story

Cole Browne Uses AbilityOne® Program to Turn Goals into RealityBy Heather Loveridge, contributing feature writer

August 2011 | 47

Eyebrow HeadHats Off

Joint Base San Antonio Recognizes Relief Enterprise Employee for Excellent Performance

Represented from left to right: Clarence Williams, CEO, Relief Enterprise; Celia Hernandez, employee, Relief Enterprise; Joann Martinez, QAE/COR, Joint Base San Antonio; Carmen Leal, supervisor, Joint Base San Antonio and Wendy Johnson, project manager, NISH South Central Region.

This photo captured a very special moment for not only Relief Enterprises but the government as well. Martinez and Leal wanted to show their appreciation to Hernandez for her hard work and continual effort in assisting with the

custodial maintenance of the contracting area. They spoke very highly of her consistent and courtesy nature as well as her ability to keep their area up to par. Leal and Martinez presented Hernandez with a beautiful card and a small token of their appreciation.

Hernandez thanked them by saying, “I have never served my country in the military, but I am doing my part by serving each of you -the individuals on the Joint Base.”

ties and the AbilityOne Program. “The Award is special because it’s given by the National Council of Work Centers. There are 600 plus organizations, and all are my peers. When I was called, I was very pleased. It is an approval by my peers that I’ve made an impact. It’s gratifying.”

Miller’s guiding principle is the belief that it is his job to lead the organization toward mission-focused growth and to ensure employees are provided the resources and tools to do their jobs effectively.

“I’ve enjoyed all my jobs, but being in a position of manage-ment is never boring. I have a great team, we work together well, and working on our mission to provide jobs for those who may have disabilities underscores the value of work for everyone. You have to have something to do regardless of your barriers, and regardless of paycheck. It’s something to build your life around. It’s worthwhile.” Miller said. H

Milt Cohen Continued from Page 32 Public Policy Continued from Page 43House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) named to the committee:

� Congressman Jeb Hensarling (R-TX), Republican Conference Chairman

� Congressman Dave Camp* (R-MI), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee

� Congressman Fred Upton* (R-MI), Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) named to the committee:

� Congressman James Clyburn (D-SC), Assistant Democratic Leader

� Congressman Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Democratic Caucus Vice Chair

� Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), House Budget Committee ranking Democrat H

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NISH Training Calendar

NISH offers a wide range of training opportunities through the NISH Academy for Leadership, Performance & Development. For more information, to request a 2011 training calendar or to register for courses, please contact the NISH Training Team at 571/226-4660 or visit the NISH Web site at www.nish.org.

NISH MissionNISH creates employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities.

7, 8 The Greening of Tomorrow’s Laundry Milwaukee, WI

7, 8 Practical Approaches to Assistive Technology Austin, TX

7, 8, 9Air Handling, Water Treatment and Plumbing Systems (for the Total Facilities Management Initiative)

Vienna, VA

13, 14 Attaining Customer Loyalty: The Ultimate Goal Las Vegas, NV

13, 14 Contact Center Services Best Practices Framework Vienna, VA

13, 14 Introduction to Document Destruction Independence, MO

14, 15Hospitality Services: Property Management and First Sergeants Barracks Program (FSBP) Business Development 1

Atlanta, GA

15 Mobile Vehicle Washing Maintenance: Hands-On Training Dallas, TX

20, 21 Disability Awareness: Train the Trainer Seattle, WA

20, 21, 22 AbilityOne Academy Vienna, VA

20, 21, 22 Commissary Project Management New Orleans, LA

22 Quality Work Environment (QWE): Overview and Implementation Plan Chicago, IL

27, 28Raise Your Standards and Improve Operations with the Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) and CIMS-Green Building Certification

Chicago, IL

27, 28, 29 Management Skills for Supervisors Vienna, VA

28, 29 Business Development I: The Planning Process Atlanta, GA

September

august 2011 workplace magazine

Documents

nish national training

ceo4 nish workplace

david ogletreewilliam

managing editor

nonprofit organization

significant disabilities

lives of people

editor vatrice jones