The event is commemorating National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month in October
Cincinnati, Ohio – The Genesis at Work Foundation, a local Cincinnati not-for-profit agency aiding in employment for those with special needs, has announced that the annual Celebration Gala will take place October 7, 2023, from 6 to 10:30 PM at the Sharonville Convention Center. The event is commemorating National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month in October.
The event includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and dinner held in the Northern Lights Ballroom. The event will be hosted by Fritsch from the Jeff and Jenn Morning Show on Q102, and music will be provided by The Seasons. A meet and greet will occur with Reds players Doug Flynn, Ron Oester, and Billy Hatcher.
At the gala, the foundation will present 2023 meaningful work success stories and will share all the inclusive employer program members, in addition to two award presentations. There will also be a silent auction. To view the detailed invitation or to RSVP, please visit https://www.genesisatwork.org/celebration-gala or https://www.genesisatwork.org/rsvp.
“We had more than 250 attendees at our Celebration Gala last year, and it was a fun turnout for all while raising over $165,000 for an excellent cause,” said Bryan Holland, CEO and Founder of Genesis at Work Foundation. “This cause is very dear to my heart, and I am so excited to see our vision for this non-profit not only come to life but exceed expectations.”
In its first year, Genesis at Work, which was established July 22, 2022, has accomplished the following milestones:
- The foundation has a goal of securing $2 million in donations over 2023, 2024 and 2025 through foundations, events, corporate sponsorships, and individuals. As of July 22, 2023, it has raised over $750,000.
- The foundation is presently working with five job seekers and is on target to reach the goal of achieving employment for 10 job seekers by December 31, 2023.
- The foundation currently has about 40 job seekers on its waiting list who would like Genesis at Work to help them find meaningful work.
- Genesis at Work Foundation currently has 11 businesses that are members of their Inclusive Employers Program. The goal for 2023 is to have 12 businesses become members.
- The inclusive businesses that are working with the foundation are:
o Advance Dentistry
o BGR Packing Supply Chain Experts
o Cassady & Schiller CPAs and Advisors
o Crest Craft
o Folchi’s Tuxedos and Menswear
o Integrated Protection Services
o Kaeser & Blair, Inc.
o Kutol Manufacturing
o Mullaney’s
o Pella Cincinnati
o The Rug Gallery
o Cincinnati Type & Print Museum
- The following schools have partnered with the foundation to find meaningful work for their students with special needs:
o University of Cincinnati, Advancement and Transition Services
o Sycamore High School
o Deer Park High School
o Cincinnati Christian Schools
- The foundation is well supported by the community with 18 board members and more than 80 committed volunteers supporting its mission.
- The foundation began to address the desire of those with special needs to find employment. Research from the 2022 Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services indicated that among persons with special needs, approximately 1,450 people in Hamilton County reported that they “want a job and need help.” Additionally, there were 1,850 students with special needs transitioning out of Cincinnati public high schools who were seeking meaningful work.
- The newly established Genesis Pathway Support (GPS) Program will provide inspired learning, guidance, and simple solutions for families and caregivers on their path to find meaningful work. This GPS program provides the tools needed in navigating the challenges and frustrations in school and life after high school to find meaningful employment.
- In October, the foundation is also rolling out an online roadmap outlining resources in addition to creating small groups and online forums for job seekers. This information can be found in October at www.genesisatwork.org/gpsguide
“There is a need for qualified employment agencies in Hamilton County to provide individualized support for people with disabilities who want a job and need support. Genesis at Work is well-positioned to locate and secure meaningful work for individuals with barriers to employment using the extensive network of businesses in its Inclusive Employers Program. We look forward to being a resource to the Genesis at Work team to help address this need in our community,” said Nathan Beck, Transition and Employment Navigation Supervisor at Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services.
“For P&G, hiring people with disabilities has been so much more than a Diversity and Inclusion effort. Throughout our process, we discovered that Disability Inclusion is a great strategy to tap into new resources to fill open positions. In our experience, employees with disabilities are dedicated and perform well, and their presence not only positively contributes to the organization but also our reputation in the community as a great place to work,” said Miguel Garcia, retired Procter & Gamble executive, co-founder of Workforce Inclusion (P&G), Genesis at Work Foundation Strategic Advisor and Volunteer.
For more information on the foundation and how you can help, please visit www.genesisatwork.org.
About Genesis at Work Foundation
Genesis at Work Foundation is dedicated to helping families caring for those with special needs. By helping these individuals find meaningful work in an inclusive environment, Genesis at Work hopes that those they assist and their families will experience greater meaning, purpose, and hope in their lives. Its mission is to find meaningful work for God’s children with special needs enriching lives and businesses.
Beginning in 2022, Genesis at Work Foundation operates independently of government funding. All services are provided at no cost to the job seekers and their families. The foundation serves all faiths and people with no faith.
