Posted by Christine Guarino

JF&CS recently launched a committee dedicated to the discussion of opportunities and challenges surrounding employment for individuals with disabilities. The Business Advisory Committee is made up of representatives from local businesses, some that currently employ JF&CS program participants and some who have an interest in doing so in the future.

This initial breakfast meeting included JF&CS staff from our Day and Employment Services for adults with disabilities and representatives from a diverse mix of businesses including banks, small business, and higher education. During the meeting we discussed services provided by JF&CS as well as larger issues surrounding employment for individuals with disabilities and the unique experiences of each attendee. Current employers of JF&CS clients shared successes and asked questions related to managing and employing a person with a disability. For individuals at businesses that are not currently employing individuals with disabilities, this was an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about how they might successfully do so.

In reflecting on her experience with JF&CS, Paula Doherty, HR Administrator at Babson College shared:

Babson College is committed to diversity of all kinds, including employing individuals with disabilities. The post-employment support we receive from JF&CS is the key factor in our positive outcomes. Through our association with JF&CS, we all win – our employees with disabilities, their families, our students, our community as a whole, and JF&CS. As a result of our success, Babson College has chosen to work exclusively with JF&CS in employing individuals with disabilities.

As we at JF&CS continue to seek opportunities for further engagement with the local business community, I am thrilled to spearheading this new initiative. The Business Advisory Committee will meet quarterly on an ongoing basis and the second meeting has been scheduled for January 2016. We are looking for additional members! Contact me at cguarino@jfcsboston.org or Sue Stellick at sstellick@jfcsboston.org if you are interested in joining this committee.

Christine GuarinoChristine Guarino is the Director of Foundation & Corporate Relations at JF&CS. As part of her position, she works to expand corporate philanthropy and create opportunities for the agency to become engaged with local and national corporations. Prior to her work at JF&CS, Christine worked as an executive recruiter for development positions in nonprofit organizations and in corporate and foundation fundraising for The Guidance Center in Cambridge.

Christine Guarino is the Director of Foundation & Corporate Relations at JF&CS. As part of her newly created position, she is working to expand corporate philanthropy and create opportunities for the agency to become engaged with local and national corporations. Prior to her work at JF&CS, Christine worked as an executive recruiter for development positions in nonprofit organizations and in corporate and foundation fundraising for The Guidance Center in Cambridge.
Christine GuarinoChristine Guarino is the Director of Foundation & Corporate Relations at JF&CS. As part of her newly created position, she is working to expand corporate philanthropy and create opportunities for the agency to become engaged with local and national corporations. Prior to her work at JF&CS, Christine worked as an executive recruiter for development positions in nonprofit organizations and in corporate and foundation fundraising for The Guidance Center in Cambridge.