Today is Labor Day when the nation honors “the social and economic achievements of American workers.” Some folks have understood this to be muscle-bulging laborers, but it actually means anyone who has held a job, earned an honest living and contributed to their family and society. But there is a segment in society that is too often overlooked when it comes to holding a job, bringing home a paycheck and being a vital party of the community — people with disabilities.
In a report conducted by Control Data Corporation, the research reveals that “If we convert one person into a contributing member of society through a full-time job, it provides a stimulus of $128,000 to the American economy every year. That’s $1.28M per decade. (1982, adjusted for inflation in 2014).”
Luckily, Dallas’ own LaunchAbility has adopted the attitude of “We acknowledge disabilities. But emphasize possibilities.” To achieve this goal, the nonprofit “finds that hidden ability in a client and aligns it with an employer to create a perfect symbiotic work relationship.”
LaunchAbility client*
In addition to being a responsible member of a company’s workforce, there’s also the human element. According to Alliance Data’s Rodney Swift, “Managing my LaunchAbility clients has made me a better supervisor. I dare say, even a better man.”
LaunchAbility CEO Kathryn Parson acknowledges Rodney’s comments by adding, “One of the most inspiring quality of our clients is their loyalty to their employer and commitment to doing a good job — despite overcoming challenges and struggles on a daily basis. Our clients are proud to be a part of the businesses that hire them. They are happy and grateful for the employment opportunity. And, that helps make everyone around them feel the same.”
So, it is only right that today LaunchAbility is launching a video — Dance and Donate — promoting its challenge grant from The Meadows Foundation to prepare those with disabilities to join the work force.
Kathryn explained, “This video was so much fun to make – a labor of love. And, we need to remember why we did it. Alliance Data and LaunchAbility want all of our supporters, friends, families and sponsors to take our challenge. Dance and Donate. Show the world what our clients say: ‘You Can’t Hold Us!’ And, what better time than in celebration of North Texas Giving Day on September 17.”
LaunchAbility’s incoming President Sharon Herrin added, “As our funding from the government continues to get cut, we are challenging our supporters to Dance and Donate and help us meet the Meadows Foundation $25,000 matching grant so that the great work of this agency will continue for another 50 years.”
* Photo provided by LaunchAbility