City Utilities Department Recognized As Options For Better Living Employer of the Year

City Utilities Department Recognized As Options For Better Living Employer of the Year

Date of Record: June 2, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 2, 2006

For more information, contact:
Adam Wason, Public Affairs Specialist, City of Bloomington Utilities Department, 349.3940
Maria K. Heslin, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349.3569

Bloomington, IN -- With Mayor Mark Kruzan's commitment to support employment for people with disabilities, the City of Bloomington Utilities Department is proud to be recognized as the Options for Better Living Employer of the Year.

Kruzan announced his pledge for City involvement in employment opportunities for the disabled in October 2005 stating, "This is an excellent opportunity for us to be a model for the community and to promote supported employment programs."

As part of a City-wide initiative to offer opportunities of supported employment for the disabled, the City Utilities Transmission and Distribution Department has provided employment opportunities to customers of Options for Better Living.

Tom Staley, Assistant Director and Superintendent of Operations for Transmission and Distribution, deserves much of the appreciation and praise given to the Utilities Department. Staley initiated, developed and supervised the supported employment program at the Transmission and Distribution Department, and vows to continue and increase involvement with such programs.

The Options for Better Living employees are successfully completing the needed job requirements of general housekeeping, cleaning and vehicle maintenance at living wage levels. These employment opportunities are regular part-time positions with the employees from Options for Better Living providing the needed skills and abilities to meet the wishes of the department. These employees provide valuable commitments to their duties and have been counted on without reservation.

According to Development Director Melissa Copas, Options for Better Living has had an ideal relationship with the City Utilities Department.

"The Utilities Department made a continued and substantial commitment to hire and provide living wage compensation to people with disabilities who are customers of Options for Better Living," Copas said. "The positions allowed the Options employees to develop an expanded repertoire of skills and abilities due to the employment opportunities provided, which is why we awarded the Employer of the Year Award to the Utilities Department."

As part of its mission, Options for Better Living partners with individuals with disabilities and the community to bring about self-directed and fulfilled lives. Options is a nonprofit organization providing quality group living, in-home supports (personal assistance, habilitation, respite), supported employment, targeted case management, and behavior management so that people with disabilities can live, work and have fun in their communities. The City of Bloomington is proud to help support this mission.

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