On the Horizon

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8An Unforgettable and Inspiring SpeechIt hardly seems appropriate to be givenan award for doing volunteer work for anorganization which in itself is so rewarding.As a parent, a father of a daughter who hasbenefited tremendously from the work oforganizations like New Horizons, it’s hardto imagine life without these organizations.At this year’s Gala Richard J. Bartus, a longtime friend andvolunteer of New Horizons was honored with the Fredrick J.Weitkamp Service Award. Many were so moved by his speech thatwith his permission he allowed us to feature it in the newsletter.It hardly seems appropriate to be given an award fordoing volunteer work for an organization which in itselfis so rewarding. As a parent, a father of a daughter whohas benefited tremendously from the work of organizationslike New Horizons, it’s hard to imagine life without theseorganizations.My daughter Laura is now fifty-two years old, so I have beeninvolved and working with these special people for a long time.There have been times in the past when I ask, Why?, Mindyou not Why me? but Why Laura? Why Cee-Cee and Dee-Deeand Cathy and Troy? Why so many? What is the purpose ofour special people and why are they here? A few years ago Iunexpectedly found an answer to this question.In working with one of our organizations with my wife, Alaine,we met the Hawthorns, a very dedicated family. Russ, Judyand their son Robbie, who was developmentally disabled andwas the same age as our Laura always seemed to be on highenergy pills. Tall, gangly and all arms and legs, Robbie waseverywhere and into everything all the time.One morning Robbie was on his school bus on the way to hisday program when the bus was involved in a terrible headoncrash with an automobile and Robbie died that morning.Tragic, horrible and completely unexpected this was a terribleand heartbreaking loss of someone much too young. Alaine andI attended Robbie’s memorial service.Over 400 people attended for a standing room only turnout.One after the other people stepped to the front to tell of theirwonderful experiences with Robbie and how he reached andtouched their hearts in a personal way. Here this awkward,gangly kid who was all over the place all the time had madea huge impact on so many lives in such a short period of time.Standing in the back of the Chapel I got my answer to “Why”,Why are they here. They are each here to teach us in theirown special way, as Robbie did…as only they can. To teachus about our lives and about life and what it means…as onlythey can. They show us what is important and what life canbe and should be…as only they can. No, God does not makemany mistakes. They have a very real purpose in life and havea tremendous amount of work to do…as only they can.There is a lot for all of us to learn and many special people toteach us…as only they can.Thank you for this very wonderful award, I am truly honored.Volunteer to work with these very special people and you toowill be rewarded as I have been.
Talent has no boundaries: WorkforceDiversity includes people with disabilitiesClients who receive a paycheck on and off the campus continued to shine at their places of employment last month during NationalDisability Employment Awareness Month. To understand this incredible impact, two of our employers answered questionsabout what it is like work with New Horizons clients. The questions and answers are below.9QuestionsLeo Torres, Store ManagerJons Market #19Ron RossOwner, Wendy’sWhat has been your experienceworking with a New Horizonsemployee?I feel I am fortunate enough to have thebest team of New Horizon employees.This is the best team yet. I really enjoyworking alongside Sean, Brian andSergio.I have had two New Horizons employeesand both have been great experiences.The training provided by New Horizonshas been effective and detailed.How is your experience differentthan you expected to be?At this particular store, he has exceededmy expectations. I am very pleased!When we hired Tony I did not think hewould be here this long and I really didn’texpect customers to like him so much. Iam surprised by the great connection hehas with our customers.Is there a story you can share?As Store Manager, you look forwardto working with many individualsthroughout the day. My day couldnot be complete if I didn’t work withsome of these individuals. It is a greatprogram and New Horizons is morethan accessible to make the best of anysituation.Tony M. has been with me for more than14 years. My customers love him and thefries he cooks. He knows about 50% ofthe customers’ names even if they haven’tbeen in for a while. He comes to workearly and is willing to work late if weneed him.What can you tell otheremployers of why to hire a NewHorizons employee?CONGRATSAn example of the incredibleimpact our clients make ontheir employers occurredon October 13 th , 2010 whenJack and Jon Berberian fromJons Market honored HannaU. and her manager withthe Courage Award at theirannual luncheon.I would definitely recommend hiringNew Horizons clients. The benefits arefelt throughout the company.New Horizon has helped me staff myrestaurant with quality people. I call NewHorizons when I have a need to see if Ican employ another one of their clients. Ithink other employers need to try it justone time. I think they will be glad theygave it a try.
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