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The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence |
As part of the National Disability Employment Awareness Month, The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence (www.thearcjslc.org), announced that Melody Lacombe was recognized at SourceAmerica's Grassroots Advocacy Conference in Washington D.C.
Melody Lacombe is a janitor on the General Services Administration, Massena Land Port of Entry contract that The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence holds in partnership with SourceAmerica. Lacombe has been a member of the team for 10 years, and first found the position through the agency's Career Solutions program with assistance from her Employment Aide. She enjoys her work, and is often praised for her high standards by both the Massena Land Port of Entry staff and visitors. Lacombe is proud to have a job that allows her to be independent while still staying close to her family.
“Melody has made it her personal mission to represent our agency to advocate for herself and employment for people with disabilities,” stated Lynn Pietroski, The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence’s Chief Executive Officer. “She has met with staffers from Senator Gillibrand’s office, Senator Schumer’s office, and a Representative Elise Stefanik’s office to share her story and encourage support from her legislators.”
Lacombe was selected as one of 23 people employed by a nonprofit to be featured in SourceAmerica's "True Inclusion Equals All" campaign to run through October, which is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Her image is appearing on ads placed near and around the Capitol South Metro Station at the United States Capitol.
SourceAmerica invited a team from The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence, including Melody; Tracy Hutton, Director of Business Development and Contracts; and Betty Mullaney, Contracts Manager to attend their recent Grassroots Advocacy Conference.
At the conference, Lacombe was part of a panel where she presented her story, along with other self-advocates, SourceAmerica AbilityOne Commission representatives, and non-profit agencies. She was honored to be a part of the event, and was thrilled to visit the United States Capitol; which was a longtime dream.
In her speech, Lacombe said, “In my twenties, I tried to get my GED but the teacher told me to give it up because I would never get it. I thank God every day for this job. I have been working for The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence for 10 years now and I take it one day at a time.”
The Arc Jefferson – St. Lawrence offers employment services that include job training, coaching, job development, and benefits management. To learn more, visit www.thearcjslc.org or find us on Facebook and Instagram.
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In the photo: Melody Lacombe in Washington D.C.
About The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence:
The Arc Jefferson - St. Lawrence seeks to be the premier provider of services for people with diverse needs through the continuum of life.