Commissioners honor disability employment awareness during the month of October
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MIFFLINTOWN -- Juniata County Commissioners honored National Disability Employment Awareness Month at their weekly meeting Tuesday when they issued a proclamation to Juniata Valley Behavioral Developmental Services.
Kathy Whalen, administrator for Juniata Valley Behavioral Developmental Services, shared that her organization will host its sixth awareness month recognition event at its office in Downtown Lewistown.
"We acknowledge that the value and talent of people with disabilities add to our workplaces and communities and the employees who are committed to increase access to great jobs for all workers including disabled workers," said Whalen.
The disability employment awareness event is slated from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, at 152 E Market St, Lewistown.
"This recognition event celebrates 39 employers who have diversified their workforces with 69 employees and advancing workplace inclusion," added Whalen.
If you have questions about this event contact Whalen at (717) 242-6467.
Whalen also shared a new program this year called Take Your Legislator To Work Day. The goal of this program is to ask employees with disabilities to invite their legislators to visit them at their workplaces. This program is an opportunity to show legislators the power of community-integrated employment for people with disabilities.
The Take Your Legislator To Work Day program lasts all of October.
In other news, Commissioners...
•Approved and accepted the resignation of Jose Ruiz from his position as a Children & Youth Services full-time caseworker effective as of the end of business on Oct. 24, 2024.
•Approved payment of hazardous materials check in the amount of $6,104.31 for Juniata Valley RV Repairs on Trailers.
•Approved the appointment of Mr. Jorge Flores De Valgaz to a three-year term on the SouthCentral Workforce Development Board effective Dec. 1, 2024.
•Approved the tax exonerations for Susquehanna Township.
•Approved payment of checks in the amount of $70,574.80.
•Approved the hiring of Karissa Fahnestock as a full-time Juniata County Children and Youth Services Social Services Aide effective Oct. 15, 2024, as recommended by Ashley Baxter.
•Recognized Children & Youth Services Director Johnna Lepley, who was approved on Sept. 17, 2024, to fill the position, declined the offer. Mrs. Fahnestock replaces Abraham David who resigned effective as of the end of business on Aug. 9, 2024.