Employment Options honors supporting employers

MARLBOROUGH - The 2003 Employment Awards Dinner was held recently at the Employment Options Clubhouse, with Employer Appreciation Awards recognizing companies for their continued support.

“In spite of employment numbers dropping and the numbers of adults with mental illness rising, there are some companies still dedicated to providing employment opportunities to improve lives of adults living with mental illness,” explained Anupa Shah, Marketing Consultant at Employment Options.

A non-profit agency, Employment Options, Inc. serves adults with mental illness and other challenged populations in the MetroWest region.

“Employment Options has a very special place in my heart,” said state Rep. Stephen LeDuc as he addressed the crowd. “I encourage the employers to keep up the good work of bringing these people into their places of employment.’’

Options believes in an individual’s right to independent and dignified living, and provides meaningful services ranging from employment, education, housing, deaf and family services to social needs.

“The thing that really strikes me about the clubhouse,” explained guest speaker City Councilor Dennis Hunt, “is that you can’t tell who’s the boss or who’s here to try to improve their life. I think it’s a situation that is really very comfortable for everybody. It’s a wonderful place to try to get people back to work and back into society.’’

Options provides supported, independent and transitional employment to its members, working closely with companies like Automatic Specialties, FLIK International Food Service, LC International, Monnick Supply, Northboro Radiator, Pride Industries, Trader Joe’s, Champion Cleaners, Harrison Conference Centers, Little Brook Apartments, MetroWest Daily News, Orchard Hill Assisted Living, The Shipley Company and Walgreen’s Pharmacy.

Employment Options plans to build new Clubhouse

“Job satisfaction is one of the key elements to long term recovery of our members,” said Toni Wolf, Executive Director. “We truly appreciate the support of these companies and welcome others to join our growing number of employers. Options staff and members are committed to the task of identifying opportunities with area employers and matching those opportunities with the members ready to join the work force.”

Employment Options in Marlborough is one of more than 300 clubhouse programs operating in 24 countries around the world.

“It’s a place where people help each other, support each other and most of all respect each other,” said Hunt. “It’s a place where you can build a future.”

In addition to employer awards, employment awards were given out.

“I want to encourage all the employees to keep up the good work,” said LeDuc. “Take one day at a time. Get out of bed. Go to work. Feel good about yourself. Come home and look at yourself in the mirror and say. ‘I did it and I’m going to do it again tomorrow.’”

In an “Open Mic” segment, that is a signature event at clubhouses, members raved about Employment Options.

During the Awards Dinner, Wolf made the announcement that in April 2003. Employment Options, presently located at 200 East Main St., will ground break for a new clubhouse to be located at 153 Mechanic St.

For further information or to announce positions at your company visit the Web site at www.employmentoptions.org or call 508-485-5051.

Top of Page