The Archer Disability Foundation is the largest disability mentoring program in the state, and the goal is to foster social inclusion for students with disabilities through job mentoring and other programs. They are hosting a 2009 Disability Mentoring & Employment Awareness Kick Off event Sept. 11, and foundation president and founder Rose Lee Archer said the proceeds will support career exploration and job placement for people with disabilities.
“These young people face such adversity when entering adulthood, and they really need help and resources to begin establishing independence and a career. So many companies have come on board to provide mentoring opportunities, some of which turn into careers,” she said.
CVS has come on board, and workforce initiative manager Marsha Lynch said Archer is a ball of energy.
“She is such an amazing woman with such passion for helping young people with disabilities. Her ideas are top-notch, and CVS is involved in similar projects, but this is the fist time in this area of the state,” she said.
Lynch said students will spend time at the store shadowing employees and learning all the tricks of the trade. The kick-off event is at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11 in the Ascension Catholic Church Family Center, 7250 N. Federal Highway. Tickets cost $20. For more information, call 561-241-7987 or e-mail roseleea@aol.com. For more information about the foundation, visit www.archerdisabilityfoundation.org.