WOC awards participants

Date: 5/23/2007

By Erin O'Connor

Staff Writer



AGAWAM On May 11, the Work Opportunity Center, Inc. (WOC) had its 15th annual awards ceremony and breakfast at Chez Joseph. Local politicals and many smiling faces were present. Awards were given out to participants of WOC in five categories.

WOC is a private, non-profit organization funded in part through the Department of Mental Retardation (DMR) that has been providing developmentally disabled individuals with vocational training and employment opportunities since 1969.

"We support employment programs for folks working independently in the community," Paul Burns, manager of the employment support department said to Reminder Publications.

Awarded categories included Quality Employment that went to Pepperberries, Baystate Medical Center, Mirkin's Cleaners, TJ Maxx, Creative World, Wachogue Congregational Church, Williams Auto Sales and Valley Opportunities Council Early Education and Child Care Center.

The Outstanding Achievement Awards went to Sylvia Florence, Westfield; John LaSorsa, Longmeadow; Angela Edwards, Holyoke; John Butler, Feeding Hills and Donald Rankin, Agawam.

The Career Development award went to Kenneth Choiniere of Chicopee. Natural Supports award went to Burt Alves of Baystate Medical Center and Donna Carmine of Costco. Decade of Success award went to Barry Cesan of West Springfield, Amanda Tkaczuk of Granville, Cathy Rahilly of Westfield, Jonathan Lavalee of Blandford and Vicente Castro of Westfield. "It is very eventful and rewarding," Ginger Gray who is an employer participating with WOC said.

"It's awesome," Susan Walsh-Peterson, co-owner of Pepperberry's said. "She [employee from WOC] was so quiet at first. A couple people from the company [WOC] came in and said all that she talks about is the flowershop."

WOC's Executive Director Bob MacDonald, said the Center has found hundreds of people jobs.

"This makes a tremendous statement and shows a tremendous commitment on part of employers and employees," MacDonald said.

"It's 100% positive and I'm truly proud of everything that you do," Mayor Richard A. Cohen said to the WOC. "They [trainees of WOC] are loyal and honest and they work hard. It is intelligent on part of the employer to know where to find a good work force."

According to Pat Shewter of the Big Y recruitment center, there will be 70 million Baby Boomers retiring soon with only 40 million people replacing them.

"This is an opportunity to provide employment for those with disabilities," she said.

"It's a great program and puts smiles on a lot of peoples' faces. It is a great thing for the community," State Representative James T. Welch (D-West Springfield) said.

Also in attendance were State Representative Angelo J. Puppolo Jr. (D-Springfield) and State Representative Rosemary Sandlin (D- Agawam).

More information about the WOC can be found at www.wocinc.org.