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National disability employment awareness
To the Editor:
The Joinder Board of Commissioners of Huntingdon-Mifflin-Juniata Counties proclaimed October 2023 to be National Disabilities Employment Awareness Month. They recognize people with disabilities have a diverse skill set to meet specifications and deliver results. This year's local theme was "Be the change. Create an impact."
On Oct. 12, 2023, the Huntingdon-Mifflin-Juniata Regional Collaborative's Employment Coalition held its fifth Recognition Event. We extend our gratitude to Ms. Kathy Whalen, administrator, and Juniata Valley Behavioral and Developmental Services for supporting the Employment Coalition that envisions a world where all people, able and differently abled, are fully included and participating members of their communities. For 2023 we are celebrating 43 employers who have diversified their workforce and 62 Employees who are the change that created an impact.
Employers recognized are: ACPI, Albemarle Corporation, Big Daddy's Chill and Grille, Burger King - Lewistown, Burger King - Mifflintown, Burnham Original Italian Pizza, Community Services Group, Compass Community Connections, Cora Creekside Tavern, County Line - Richfield, Dollar General No. 17159 McAlisterville, Giant Food Store No. 6025 Lewistown, Giant Food Store No. 6055 Burnham, Giant Food Store No. 6277 Huntingdon, Goodwill - Huntingdon, Hobby Lobby, Honey Creek Inn, Hoss's Family Steak and Sea House - Lewistown, IHOP - Mifflintown, KISH BANK, Joe Krentzman and Son, Inc., Lewistown Lowe's Home Improvement, McDonald's - Huntingdon, McDonald's - Mount Union, Mexico Market, Mifflin County School District, Muddy Run Tavern, Nittany MinitMart -- Walnut Street, Lewistown, Nittany MinitMart -- William Penn Highway, Mifflintown, NuVisions, Parkhurst Food Service at Juniata College, PA Tempus Unlimited, Sandy Ridge Market, Saxton Market, Service Access and Management, Inc., Sheetz - Burnham, Susquehanna Township School District, The Advocacy Alliance (IM4Q), The Restaurant, Walmart supercenter No. 1607, Weis Markets No. 35 Burnham, Weis Markets No. 176 Mifflintown, and Westminster Woods.
This year's employer awards were specially designed challenge coins created in partnership with the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology's Precision Machining class. Benjamin Detwiler – Instructor, Levi Clark – Instructor Aide and the Mifflin and Juniata County Students excelled in their technical pathway to create an impact with a beautiful award.
We offer a huge thank you to the event host CSG – Square One Clubhouse and Director, Melissa Steele and all the participants. We appreciated having the following resources available: PA CareerLink, CARES of Central PA, the Bureau of Blind and Visual Services, and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation.
Together we can create connections, spark collaborations and inspire system changes.
Respectfully,
Lisa Miller-Chair, HMJ Employment Coalition