County Hosts 5th Annual ‘Think Jobs’ Round Table Forum

#ThinkDIFFERENTLY conference promotes employment of residents
with special needs; honors local businesses and partners

Poughkeepsie, NY … Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro today welcomed local businesses, civic groups, and individuals to the County’s fifth annual “Think Jobs” round table discussion, which highlights the benefits to local businesses that hire residents with special needs, encourages them to do so and honors community partners who employ those with disabilities.

The annual event, held in coordination with the County’s Department of Community and Family Services, the Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) and the Dutchess One Stop Career Center, embodies Dutchess County’s “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” initiative, which encourages communities to foster an inclusive and supportive work environment for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “Since the launch of the ‘Think Jobs,’ we have seen an increase in local business hiring residents of all abilities. This is a large stride for our community that benefits employers, employees and all those who call Dutchess County home. Individuals from the intellectual and developmental disabilities community now can have a sense of pride as they clock in at work and are able to add to the success of their community. While we have seen much success, there always remains open opportunities, and we encourage more employers and the community to ThinkDIFFERENTLY and open their businesses and minds to residents with disabilities.”     

Local businesses seeking more information about the County’s “Think Jobs” efforts, including the benefits of hiring the disabled and other resources, can contact Kadiyah Lodge at the Dutchess One Stop Career Center at klodge@dutchessonestop.org or (845) 554-5936.

The keynote this year was Marjorie Madfis, MBA, President and Executive Director of Yes She Can, Inc. Ms. Madfis founded Yes She Can, Inc. in November 2013, inspired by her daughter, Isabelle, who is now a young woman with autism.  At Yes She Can, Ms. Madfis supervises the Girl Again boutique manager, the organization’s Director of Training Programs and volunteers; she also is responsible for strategy, development and communications.  Life and Career Coach Debra Solomon, Founder of Spectrum Strategies also shared her insights.

County Executive Molinaro presented four “Think Jobs” awards, which recognized the “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” spirit embodied by local employers, employees and community partners:

• “Think Jobs” Business Award recognizes local businesses who have opened their hiring practices to provide vocational training and/or employment opportunities for people of all abilities. The award was presented to Jessica Woodson and The Bonura Hospitality Group.

• “Think Jobs” Partner Award honors the commitment of a community partner who chooses to “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” and embrace the values of inclusion through education, and it acknowledges the recipient’s efforts to actively support the promotion of the “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” spirit and the goals of “Think Jobs.” This year there were two recipients from Dutchess Community College: Laraine Kautz, Workforce Development Liaison, and Linda Bertolozzi, Coordinator of Accommodative Services and the school’s “Think Ahead” program. Their contributions to “Think Jobs” and developing career paths for students of all abilities is integral forging business relationships for employment and developing students to enter the workforce.

• “Think Ahead” Individual Award celebrates the success of residents with disabilities who embody the spirit of “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” and the successes of “Think Jobs” through their employment. This award was presented to Kristen Avignone, a current “Think Ahead” student who has been employed at Hannaford, in Wappingers Falls for over six years. Co-workers say she brings a smile and positive attitude to each day at the store, and her Hannaford team looks forward to Kristen coming in each day and demonstrating her strong work ethic.

Established in 2015, the ThinkDIFFERENTLY initiative seeks to change the way individuals, businesses, organizations and communities relate to individuals with disabilities. Following Dutchess County’s example, more than 100 municipalities throughout New York State – and several others across the nation – have passed “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” resolutions, committing to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals of all abilities. More information about “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” is available on Dutchess County’s award-winning website, thinkdifferently.net.