CAREERS Recognized Nationally

ERIC GROSS Kathy Shallo (seated) checks out a new computer with her boss Tina Cornish-Lauria at the CAREERS office in Carmel last week. CAREERS for People with Disabilities— a-non-for-profit organization that has provided job placement and support services to more than 1,800 residents of Putnam and Westchester since its creation 23 years ago—is a great place to work, as well.

CAREERS was chosen last week as one of five nationwide winners in the annual Peoples Choice Best Nonprofit to Work For awards competition.

On Thursday, the COURIER sat down with the group’s executive director, Tina Cornish-Lauria, and with Kathy Shallo, whose essay nominated her employer for the recognition.

Shallo, who works as an executive secretary and has been employed by CAREERS for the past 19 years, described the organization as being “extremely dedicated to its mission while serving the needs of its clients. Our administration also constantly strives to obtain the best from its employees at two locations in Carmel and Valhalla. CAREERS is a very rewarding place to work.”

In her essay, Shallo said, “CAREERS places the needs of its clients first and foremost by recognizing their abilities and guiding them to reach their fullest potential. The staff always extends itself above and beyond their job requirements, working individually or as a group to help clients succeed in their job search, interviews, and social situations while on the road to obtaining gainful employment.”

Karen Beavor, President and CEO of Opportunity Knocks, commended CAREERS for demonstrating “how nonprofit organizations can not only make a difference in the community but can have an incredibly positive impact on the lives of the people that work for them.”

Shallo called CAREERS a “big family. Our 16 employees care for each other and watch out for each other. The employee turnover is nil, which speaks for itself. CAREERS not only cares for its clients but the compassion is shown each day when it comes to staff.”

In 2009, CAREERS provided services to 425 clients. Cornish-Lauria stressed that there was no cost to clients or consumers making use of the agency’s services.

CAREERS assists those who are learning disabled, emotionally challenged, physically disabled, in need of psychological care, developmentally disabled, or any combination thereof. The organization also interfaces with 55 schools in Putnam and Westchester.

A new program called the Workforce Readiness Placement and Training Program is also in full swing this year where prospective clients are trained in a classroom setting.

Cornish-Laura said topics dealing with proper dress for an interview, appropriate and inappropriate discussion topics, and social interaction are reviewed. The success rate has been phenomenal, since, in the past few weeks, of the 10 interviews taken by CAREERS clients, nine jobs were landed.

“Role playing has been very successful as well, because many of our young adults find themselves isolated, and being in the group gives them social skill interaction and great support,” said Cornish- Lauria.

Those interested in finding out more about the program are encouraged to contact either the Carmel office at 45 Fair Street across from Carmel High School by calling 225-8007 or the Valhalla office at 914-741-JOBS.