Michele Ford, President & CEO, Inroads To Opportunities, Guests On Business RadioX
President & CEO of Inroads to Opportunities Michelle Ford talks with Host Lee Kantor on Business RadioX. Inroads is a Union County, NJ, non-profit human services agency that provides programs and services to individuals with disabilities ranging in age from 16 to retirement. During the discussion, Ford goes into details about the programs and services offered at Inroads.
- Newark, NJ (1888PressRelease) March 14, 2023 - Michele Ford, President & CEO, Inroads to Opportunities, was a recent guest on Business RadioX with Host Lee Kantor. Inroads is a Union County, NJ, non-profit human services agency that provides programs and services to individuals with disabilities ranging in age from 16 to retirement.
During their discussion, Ford and Kantor discussed the programs and services offered at Inroads. The conversation ranged from vocational exploration, career planning, job development placement, and a school-to-work transition for young adults.
Ford elaborated, “The disability community has the broad range of skills, just like the regular community. We have college graduates to people that are nonreaders. So, every industry can benefit from having a diverse and rich workforce. That includes people who are facing challenges in their life.”
Her devotion to this line of work is motivated by personal experiences and her passion for serving as an advocate. The goal of Inroads’ mission is to lessen the unemployment gap for individuals with disabilities which currently stands at, “34% unemployment for ages 16 - 64,” Ford explained.
When speaking on her outreach process to businesses she stated, “We are in close contact with the business community and do task analysis with the employer to make sure we understand the full components of the job… we’re getting the best candidates for them.”
Throughout her years of dedication, Michele has formed valuable relationships with employers, past program participants, and the community.
Within the last year, Ford has been recognized as a ‘2022 NJBIZ ICON’ by NJBIZ, the Shero Award given by the Union County Board of Commissioners as well as receiving the ‘Inventive Leader in Adult Services, Courage and Compassion Award’ presented by the NJ Association of Mental Health & Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA) previously.
It was timely this interview took place now as March is National Developmental Disability Awareness Month and April is National Autism Awareness Month.
To listen to the interview, please click here: http://bit.ly/3my4Msp
ABOUT MICHELE FORD:
For over 35 years, Michele has dedicated her life to serving the needs of individuals with disabilities. A life-long advocate, Michele has been a champion for this most vulnerable population by serving on the Union County Nonprofit Consortium, Union County Crisis Consortium and most recently addressing members of the US Commission on Civil Rights in Washington, D.C. to raise awareness of choice in defense of employment options for individuals with disabilities.
ABOUT INROADS TO OPPORTUNITIES:
Since 1959, Inroads to Opportunities, formerly the Occupational Center of Union County, has provided programs and services to over 400 individuals each year with all types of disabilities and ranging in age from 16 through retirement. Programs and services include vocational preparation, transition from school to work, job placement and mental health services.
Inroads to Opportunities is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an approved provider of the NJ Department of Labor, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Commission of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Inroads is licensed by the State of New Jersey Department of Human Resources, NJ Division of Mental Health, and Addiction Services to provide partial care and Division of Developmental Disabilities to provide Day Habilitation Services. Inroads is an approved Medicaid provider and an approved Employment Network under the Ticket to Work Social Security initiative.
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