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Pittsburgh, Pa., Sept. 15, 2006 — The fact that Kathy Heart’s disability typically requires hospitalization several times a year doesn’t keep her from living the American dream — earning a living by putting in a hard days’ work. Kathy is no ordinary entrepreneur. She is a success story of Working Order, a nonprofit in Southwest Pennsylvania that has merged with Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania.
Working Order helps individuals with physical, cognitive or mental health disabilities create meaningful work for themselves through entrepreneurship. It also helps persons without disabilities who encounter long-term unemployment, inadequate education, or other socio economic disadvantages.
Working Order was founded in 1996 by former Executive Director Susan Chase and a group of volunteers who were looking for alternative solutions to the problem of unemployment faced by many people with disabilities.
“Working Order is a wonderful fit with Volunteers of America’s mission to reach and uplift all people,” said Alan R. Garner, president and chief executive officer. “Working Order is a unique program and we are honored to continue Working Order’s mission and outstanding service through Volunteers of America.”
“Unemployment still hovers around 70 percent for Americans with disabilities,” Susan explained. “Self-employment is a viable alternative for some people with disabilities who have not been able to find traditional employment or who do not choose to work in sheltered employment.” Entrepreneurship can be a long-term employment option, or a bridge to more traditional employment.
Susan and the Working Order Board of Directors were looking for a way to meet their mission more effectively, serve more individuals and allow their unique program model to be replicated.
Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania welcomed Working Order into its large family of programs and services on July 1 by means of a merger of the two nonprofits.
Working Order pairs participants with a business coach to help develop a business concept, test it for feasibility, develop a long-range plan, market, manage and sustain the business. Shared resources such as office space, computers, and marketing services are also available.
“The wide range of people we serve creates a diverse, vibrant work community with opportunity for growth and learning,” Susan concluded. “Working Order is the only small business incubator in the country designed to support entrepreneurs with and without disabilities in a fully integrated setting. With our new Director Ruby Wilkosz, and the support of Volunteers of America of PA, I know that the work we have done over the last ten years will expand to serve many more individuals with the skills and spirit to work.”
The addition also returns Volunteers of America services to southwest Pennsylvania, Alan said. Volunteers of America served the greater Pittsburgh area from the late 1890s through the mid 1970s.
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