The AbilityOne Program creates jobs
and training opportunities for people who are blind or who have
other severe disabilities, empowering them to lead more productive
and independent lives. Its primary means of doing so is by requiring
Government agencies to purchase selected products and services from
nonprofit organizations employing such individuals. Currently, the
AbilityOne Program provides employment opportunities for more than
40,000 people who are blind or have other severe disabilities by
orchestrating Government purchases of products and services provided
by nonprofit agencies employing such individuals throughout the
country. Elwyn Ca is proud to manage and operate 6 premier Ability
One contracts with another in process, employing about 22
individuals with disabilities along with several staff members.
These dedicated individuals provide services for a mailroom, several
custodial sites and soon for courier services in Orange and Los
Angeles Counties.
In 1938, the Wagner-O'Day Act was passed under President Franklin D.
Roosevelt to provide employment opportunities for people who are
blind by allowing them to sell products to the Federal Government.
In 1971, under the leadership of Senator Jacob Javits, Congress
amended this Act (41 U.S.C. 46-48c) to include people with severe
disabilities and allow the Program to also provide services to the
Federal Government. More than 60 years later, this extraordinary
socioeconomic program provides Federal customers with a wide array
of quality products and services, while providing thousands of
people with severe disabilities employment opportunities and
increased independence. http://www.abilityone.gov/news/PressRelease_FEBBidMOU.pdf
NISH has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Dept. of
Veterans Affairs’ which then allows nonprofit agencies such as
Elwyn to hire veterans graduated from the VA’s Compensated Work
Therapy program. These individuals are then qualified to work on
Ability One (federal) contracts. Elwyn CA is a proud
participant, and has hired four contract workers, both who have
proven to be real assets to our custodial services teams.
I just wanted to
give my thanks especially to you and your staff for the service
you have given us. Your staff is very professional and friendly.
You have always been helpful when we needed something special.
This made my job easier. In addition, I would like to
recognize one of your newer employees Mark. Mark is an
expert on making a floor look like new. Our floors have never
looked so clean and good. He has made it easier for us to
keep them clean. He is truly an asset to your group.
Thank you again for all your help.
Madeline
Marquez
Management & Program Analyst
DHS-ICE
Office of Professional Responsibility(Suite 6100)
(562) 980-3170 x204
(562) 980-3129 Fax
“I have had
the outstanding opportunity to work with Elwyn California. Elwyn
is very user friendly and thoroughly customer service orientated
from the management team down to the working staff. My Supported
Employment program has two Veteran’s working for Elwyn. They are
really enjoying their jobs, are gaining work experience and
gratification from being employed. I would recommend Elwyn
unconditionally.”
Scott
Supported Employment Program
United Stated Department of Veteran Affairs
Long Beach, CA. Long Beach Medical Center
I would like to
thank you and your cleaning crew, for the exceptional job
performance at the Irvine Reserve Center.
Thanks,
Michael Camarena
SFC, USAR 419th CSSB S-3 Training NCO Office
For more information please contact Cheryl Westley Director,
Business Development & Contracting
westleyc@elwyn.org
