This content is sponsored by Melwood

The inaugural Melwood Ability Awards launched with fanfare on December 7 at MGM National Harbor, honoring outstanding individuals and institutions in the Washington, DC metropolitan area that are making a lasting difference to people with differing abilities. Melwood is one of the largest employers of people with differing abilities in the mid-Atlantic, and has business partnerships with federal and state government offices.

“The Ability Awards celebrate those in our community who enrich the lives of people with differing abilities by focusing on their goals and abilities and helping them reach their potential,” said Cari DeSantis, Melwood CEO.

Melwood’s 2017 Ability Awards were presented to recipients in four categories:

• Research & Innovation: George Washington University Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, Washington, DC. This award is presented to a company, organization, or persons who develop innovative programs, systems or services that empower people with differing abilities to transform their lives and thrive in the workplace. Dr. Kevin Pelphrey, Institute Director, and founding donors Nelson and Michelle Carbonelle were recognized.

• Corporate Leadership: CVS Health, national. The Corporate Leadership Award is presented to a company or organization that has launched initiatives in communities that aim to provide job training, employment opportunities, and improve the quality of life for people with differing abilities. Accepting the award was Charnetia Young, Advisor, Workforce Initiatives, Pharmacy Services.

• Lifetime Achievement: Linda Chandler, President & CEO, Linden Resources, Arlington, VA. The Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a leader in the Washington metropolitan area who, over the course of his or her career, has exemplified compassion and made a significant impact or contribution in the lives of people with differing abilities through business services, advocacy, and community resources.

• Community Impact: Don Thompson, Don’s Café, Hyattsville, Md. The Community Achievement Award is presented to a small business owner in the Washington metropolitan area who offers a diverse and inclusive workforce by hiring and training people with differing abilities, and who also inspires integrity and demonstrates ethical leadership.

Exceptional Melwood and Linden Resources employees were also recognized for their dedication. The two organizations joined forces this past May, becoming one of the D.C. area’s largest nonprofits.

The beautiful poinsettia-bedecked space and the presence of celebrity speakers added to the excitement of the evening. Emmy-award winning journalist and WUSA9 anchor Peggy Fox emceed the ceremony. She spoke of her personal bond to Melwood’s mission through her brother-in-law, who is recovering from a brain injury.

Rob Jones, a veteran Marine combat engineer wounded in action in Afghanistan, was the featured speaker of the evening. A double amputee, Jones earned national recognition this past November after completing an impressive 31 marathons over 31 days in 31 different cities on prosthetic legs. His incredible story of perseverance includes participation in extreme sports to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for veteran-related causes. Jones challenged those in attendance to continue supporting programs that increase the quality of life for people who need a little help writing their own incredible stories.

Melwood is celebrating 54 years of leadership advocating for and empowering people with differing abilities, including wounded veterans, to transform their lives through unique opportunities to work and play in the community.

About Melwood

Melwood is an AbilityOne non-profit organization, and is the largest employers of people with differing abilities in the northeast and one of the largest in the United States
Melwood has a highly competitive and inclusive workforce – providing a range of services to federal, state and local governments, and to the private sector. Using an innovative and effective social entrepreneurial model, Melwood offers job placement, job training, life skills for independence, and support services to more than 2,100 people each year in the Washington, DC metropolitan area, Maryland, and Virginia. Melwood also provides recreation opportunities through seasonal inclusive camp programs for children and adults with and without differing abilities. In addition, Melwood provides employment and support services to veterans and active duty military members coping with a variety of service-related traumas such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and substance abuse. Melwood operates a training program that graduates approximately 100 workers with differing abilities each year, and employs more than 1,300 workers, including nearly 700 persons with a differing ability. Since 1963, the 501(3)(c) organization has envisioned a world in which people with differing abilities are fully included by advocating for and empowering them to transform their own lives through unique opportunities to work and play in the community. For more information visit www.Melwood.org.

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