The Able Trust Awards Arc Broward $52K Grant
To Increase Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities
Oakland Park, Fla. – The Able Trust recognized Arc Broward as a recipient of a 2019-2020 Employment Grant. Arc Broward is being awarded $52,188 for its Arc Works career support for working-age adults with disabilities.
Guenevere Crum, Senior Vice President, The Able Trust; Dennis Haas, President & CEO, Arc Broward; and Julie Price, Board Chair, Arc Broward.
Because hiring individuals with disabilities is simply good business, Arc Broward through its Arc Works career center provides employers with the expertise and custom solutions to help them diversify the workforce.
By partnering with Arc Works, businesses can also solve the challenge – sourcing a capable and reliable diverse workforce and position themselves as a leader in disability hiring and inclusion.
Based upon collaboration with the United Way of Broward County, Arc Works uses an approach that bundles, well-integrated support that promotes long-term employment and financial stability. Training provided through Arc Works falls into four categories; social skills, financial literacy, vocational skills, and workforce readiness.
There are an estimated 2,673,685 Floridians with a disability, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census. That is 13.4 percent of all Floridians. In the 18 to 64 age range – the typical age group most likely to be in the workforce – Florida has 1,208,053 people who have one or more disabilities.* Currently, the federal unemployment rate for people without a disability is 3.2% compared to 6.9% for people with a disability. State data is not as up-to-date as the federal data, but the most recent for Florida is from 2017 and it showed the state’s unemployment rate for individuals without a disability was 6.6%, while it was 16.3% for individuals with disabilities. This is a large pool of talented individuals who are looking for work.
According to the Florida Chamber Foundation’s research, A Study of Employment of Floridians with Disabilities, 2019, Florida will need to provide a trained workforce for an estimated 1.7 million net new jobs by 2030. Arc Works will provide training to an untapped pool of potential employees to help Florida businesses meet their needs for quality employees.
Engagement and understanding from the business community is vital in creating an inclusive workforce and research is showing how beneficial it is for companies to hire individuals with disabilities. A recent study by Accenture and the American Association of People with Disabilities has dispelled many of the misperceptions about employing people with disabilities. In fact, the study showed that companies that hire people with disabilities outperform other organizations, increasing both profitability and shareholder returns. More specifically, revenues were 28% higher, net income was 2 times more, and profit margins were 30% higher.
The Able Trust is proud to partner with the Arc Broward and support the Arc Works program,” said Tony Carvajal, president and CEO of The Able Trust. “Arc Works will provide services for individuals with disabilities that will enable them to find successful employment, and it will provide area businesses with quality employees. Supporting programs like Arc Works is vital and is not only beneficial for the individuals who use the program, but also for the companies that hire them, and the communities in which they live and work.”
“With the ABLE Trust’s grant funds our Arc Works division will continue to match candidates with local businesses looking for strong dedicated employees—especially welcome in these times of low unemployment.”, said Dennis Haas, President/CEO, Arc Broward.
“Arc Broward’s groundbreaking approaches have achieved impressive results for the business community and our job/career seekers alike. We are so thankful for the ongoing support of The ABLE Trust,” said Carolyn Davis, Board Chair, Arc Broward.
The Able Trust partners with organizations like Arc Broward across Florida to provide grant opportunities for employee placement programs. Since 1990, the Able Trust has provided more than $43 million in grants to help support programs like Arc Broward’s Arc Works.
About The Able Trust
The Able Trust is a 501(c)(3) public charity established by the Florida Legislature in 1990 as a direct support organization for the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Its mission is to be a key leader in providing Floridians with disabilities opportunities for successful employment. The Able Trust supports numerous workforce development projects, including the High School High Tech program and career preparation programs for adults with disabilities. The Able Trust also provides assistance to businesses as they seek to employ people with disabilities. Since its beginnings, The Able Trust has worked with community organizations in every county in Florida to put thousands of people with disabilities to work. To learn more about the Able Trust, please visit AbleTrust.org and follow @AbleTrust on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
About Arc Broward
For over 62 years, Arc Broward has worked hand-in-hand with our community, changing how people with developmental disabilities and life challenges are embraced and included. This critical work ensures that people with disabilities, not only live, learn, work, and play in their communities, but more importantly, thrive. Arc Broward operates at 9 locations and provides 21 programs throughout Broward County, FL. Arc Broward’s two social enterprises — Arc Educates and Arc Culinary — are groundbreaking efforts to transform the community by providing opportunities for people with disabilities and other life challenges to realize their full potential. To learn more about Arc Broward, please visit Arcbroward.com.
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*A Study of Employment of Floridians with Disabilities 2019. – Florida Chamber Foundation