On October 27th, we recognized Saratoga Casino and Raceway as a business partner who understands and embraces the benefits of hiring and training individuals with disabilities. As we are celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) during October, we presented Saratoga Casino and Raceway with a torn-cardboard print that was created by our Creative Endeavors’ artists.
Pictured front row (from left to right): Flo Ernst; Concessions Manager at SCR. Ashley Sabbath; Dishwasher at SCR. Courtney Lloyd; Senior Sous Chef at SCR. Emily Stephen; Dishwasher at SCR. Gardner Crandall; Restaurant Chef at SCR. Tim Parisi; Dishwasher at SCR. Sonya Durrum; our Employment Specialist. Back row (from left to right): Deborah Barrett; our Employment Specialist. Frank Catellier; our Supported Employment Coordinator. Skip Carlson; Vice President of External Affairs and Signature Service at SCR. Danelle Healey; HR Generalist at SCR. Mike Vild; General Manager at SCR. Tom Krawczyk; HR Director at SCR. Rita Cox; Senior Vice President of Marketing and External Affairs at SCR.
“We are proud to accept this honor and have our partnership with Saratoga Bridges recognized,” said Rita Cox, Senior Vice President of Marketing and External Affairs at Saratoga Casino and Raceway. “We value all of our community partnerships, but our relationship with Saratoga Bridges is one that is very special to us. Ongoing partnerships like these ensure the success of all members of our community.”
“We are extremely pleased that Saratoga Casino and Raceway has filled several positions within their organization with people with disabilities,” said Pamela Polacsek, our Communications Specialist. “As a business partner, they have demonstrated an understanding of the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities. We are recognizing their commitment, which we hope will strengthen and endure for many years. It is our distinct pleasure to showcase Saratoga Casino and Raceway as an example of a business that realizes people with and without disabilities have the same contributions and skills.”
“It makes me feel as though I am part of a community and a member of a team,” said Emily Stephen, who works as a dishwasher at Saratoga Casino and Raceway. “Working here gives me a sense of responsibility, a purpose, and it means the world to me. They have supported me on my journey to independence.”
National Disability Employment Awareness Month was first enacted by Congress in 1945 and later re-named and re-purposed in 1988. The goal of the month is to raise public awareness of the contributions and skills of American workers with disabilities. The October 2014 NDEAM carries the theme of ‘Expect. Employ. Empower.’