Perfect Petroleum and other local businesses/community employers partner with Bishop Grady Villas to offer job opportunities
Bishop Grady Villas, a residential and employment services provider for individuals with disabilities, is proud to recognize the local businesses that have made an impact in the lives of their residents and clients. Over the past several years, the organization has had the privilege of partnering with dozens of local employers that have offered adults with disabilities invaluable employment opportunities to share their talents and achieve their goals.
At a time when Florida Governor Rick Scott is urging lawmakers to approve $36 million in much-needed funding to serve individuals on the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) waiver waiting list, as well as $2.5 million in employment services to individuals who will continue to wait for waiver services, Bishop Grady Villas programs are more important than ever.
“Robert Halliburton and Lorene Schalow have been a part of the Perfect Petroleum team for several months. They love coming to work and our customers love seeing them, but above all, we love having them as a part of the Perfect Petroleum team,” said Ashish Kapadia, President of Perfect Petroleum, an Orlando-based CITGO Marketer. “My son has some disabilities, and so I know first-hand how much people like Robert and Lori can offer not just by the actual work they do, but with the inspiration and blessings they bring by their mere presence, smiles, and laughter. We consider ourselves blessed to be able to work with them. There are still so many individuals in our community that want the chance to make their own mark, and I hope that more local businesses will open themselves up to this incredible opportunity.”
Bishop Grady Villas’ mission is to support persons with disabilities and use their God-given gifts to achieve greater independence, physical and emotional well-being, and spiritual growth. “We are incredibly grateful to all of the businesses who have chosen to hire one or more of our residents,” said Desiree Robles, Employment Programs Manager at Bishop Grady Villas. “It is truly amazing to see the transformation that these opportunities have on our residents’ confidence, happiness, and overall quality of life. It is also a joy to hear how much our corporate partners feel they receive in return when they are able to work with these individuals first-hand as they discover and share their many talents.”
In 2012, Bishop Grady Villas Employment Services helped 116 men and women become permanently employed in Central Florida with the support of corporate partners like the Walt Disney World Resort, Perfect Petroleum, School District of Osceola County, Publix, and many more. In addition, Bishop Grady Villas provided full-time residential support to 48 individuals through its residential programs.
Its partnership with Bishop Grady Villas is one of many ways Perfect Petroleum helps people with disabilities in the local community. The company also has a history of supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Smile Train, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, and many more.
To learn more about Perfect Petroleum, visit http://www.perfectpetroleum.com/index.php.
To learn more about Bishop Grady Villas, the services it provides, and how to get involved, visit www.bishopgradyvillas.org.
To learn more about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, the services it provides, and how to get involved, visit http://apd.myflorida.com.
West Orlando News Online is proud to take an active role within our community. If your organization is helping to improve our community, let us know.
On a personal note, thank you Perfect Petroleum, Walt Disney World Resort, Publix, School District of Osceola County, Bishop Grady Villas, and all those individuals putting action behind intent. A special recognition goes out for Jennifer Monje, Senior Human Services Program Analyst for Area 7 Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
Danny Hufman, MA, CEIP, CPRW, CPCC
Follow Me on Twitter @dannyatecs
West Orlando News Online, Event and Career Columnist: https://westorlandonews.com
