LARC hosts Inaugural Exceptional Employers Event

Event celebrates the benefits of local employers hiring individuals with disabilities
FORT MYERS, Fla. (Sept. 23, 2019) – Lee Association of Remarkable Citizen’s (LARC) Exceptional Employers event was held Thursday, September 12 at the Collaboratory.  The inaugural event drew more than 80 attendees and recognized employers that hire individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) as well as exceptional employees with long tenure in their jobs.
“The goal of the event was to silence the stigma of employers hiring this overlooked population and share the benefits businesses have seen from employing these capable, talented individuals,” said Kevin Lewis, LARC Executive Director.  “There are many organizations in Southwest Florida, including LARC, that provide support services for individuals with disabilities seeking employment.  We identify the strengths of individuals and match them to succeed at their desired job, and provide job coaching to support the employee and employer.”
The event included networking and a panel discussion with local business owners and executives discussing best practices for employing individuals with disabilities.  Panelists included Brian West, media and communications manager, Publix Super Markets, Pat Carroll, co-founder, Carroll Properties Investments and David Mulicka, owner, HONC Destruction.  Peter Busch, anchor at NBC-2 moderated the discussion.
“These employees are some of the most transparent, honest and hardworking individuals we have worked with,” said Carroll.   “We also found that our management team became closer and more like a family after we hired an individual with a disability.”
“Hiring people with exceptional abilities is beneficial to businesses,” said Angela Katz, LARC Development Director.  “There are significant gaps in the workforce, particularly in the hospitality industry.   Individuals with disabilities are loyal and hardworking, and businesses can fill many types of jobs with employees who will stay for years, reducing turnover.”
For more information about employing individuals with disabilities, contact Pamela Jenkins, Director of Community Support Services at 239-334-6285 x226 or [email protected].
To learn more about LARC visit www.larcleecounty.org or contact Angela Katz at 239-334-6285 x229.
 About LARC
Established in 1954, LARC Inc.’s mission is to empower and support individuals with disabilities and their families to reach their full potential. LARC is a 501(c)3 that provides programs and services for approximately 300 local men and women annually. The nonprofit offers vocational training, community residential services, and a vast array of other state-of-the-art community inclusion services on a full-time, year-round basis.  LARC’s main campus is located at 2570 Hanson Street, Fort Myers, and has a satellite campus in Bonita Springs.  LARC also operates two Residential Group Homes located in Cape Coral and North Fort Myers.