Helping You Help Others

from February 1, 2023 Copiague

Little Girls Need Clothing

By Noelle Lambert

The Charity of the Month for February is The Corporate Source

www.thecorporatesource.org

The Corporate Source (TCS) is a non-proﬁt organization that started in 1996. They strive to change the perceptions of individuals with disabilities in the workforce by having them work in integrated settings where their value, productivity, commitment and dedication can be experienced by all. To accomplish this mission, TCS addresses the factors a ecting employment inequity and overcomes barriers to employment that keep this staggering number of people with disabilities excluded from the workforce. TCS is extremely proud of their work and today the operate in over 100 locations , many here on Long Island, NY.

Despite an increased knowledge base and laws, such as the Americans With Disabilities Act, the overwhelming number of people with disabilities are either unemployed or underemployed. In America alone, roughly 61 million adults live with a disability. Today, about 1 in 6 American children are diagnosed with a developmental disability and they then age out of most public programming when they become 21. With less to do each day and having fewer prospects for employment, these young adults often become socially isolated and depressed.

Sometimes, employers may have misconceptions which make them reluctant to hire a person with disabilities. TCS works to change perceptions to show employers the beneﬁts of an inclusive workforce. Given the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and capabilities, these employees show dependability, honesty, tenacity and dedication to doing the best job possible. Several TCS workers have received awards and recognition for their achievements and outstanding performance on the job.

TCS employs nearly 400 people with disabilities in the greater New York tristate region, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, providing outsourcing services to several federal, state and private sector organizations. A small sample of their longterm client collaborations include Janitorial and Disinfecting Services for the US Merchant Marine Academy, Mail-room Operations at Long Island and NYC Internal Revenue Service locations, Call Center Support at the Manhattan VA Medical Center and Kennel Care for the Department of Homeland Security at JFK Airport.

Most recently, they have partnered with the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) to develop a program for professionally educating and training people with disabilities for entry level positions in the growing IT ﬁeld. Corporations like Microsoft, Ernst & Young and more have had very positive experiences where people with disabilities are e ective for these positions from a number of perspectives.

This non-proﬁt works year-round through special events, networking opportunities, social media outreach and other e orts to raise awareness and funds to support disability employment initiatives. There are many ways that you can support the mission of TCS.

For more information, visit www. thecorporatesource.org or contact Ruth-Ann Gater at ruth-ann.gater@ thecorporatesource.org and stay tuned for next week’s article.

If your nonproﬁt would like to be featured in this column, please call Noelle Lambert at 631.226.2636 x225 for consideration.