Columbus In The News

10/30/2006 - “Take 200 to Work” Initiative gets Boost from American Express Foundation

(Salt Lake City, UT)  The Columbus Community Center, a local nonprofit organization that serves people with disabilities, has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the American Express Foundation, which will be used to open the Columbus Community Employment Center. The employment center will provide a centralized location where people with disabilties can receive training and coaching that will prepare them to find appropriate employment. The employment center is part of Columbus’ recently launched “Take 200 to Work” initiative, with the goal of helping 200 people with disabilities receive the support they need to find meaningful employment.

Columbus staff and volunteers will work with participants in the center, teaching them job search skills, how to write resumes, how to interview, proper dress for interviews and employment, as well as appropriate interpersonal communication skills. As part of the initiative, Columbus will also continue to build partnerships with local businesses in the community with the goal of training, employing, and supporting people so they can be self-sufficient and independent.

October is also National Disability Employment Awareness Month. According to the most recent census data, one in eleven adults of working age has a disability that impacts their ability to find meaningful employment. This translates to approximately 5,500 people in Salt Lake County alone who face obstacles in finding training and employment. The unemployment rate among people with disabilities is 65%, which also translates into a significant poverty rate.

More Recent News Stories:

9/1/2007 - “Dignity through Work” Event on October 2nd Recognizes Those that Support Workplace Opportunities for People with Disabilities

1/2/2007 - President Ford’s 1974 Visit to Disabled Students at Columbus Community Center Remembered

12/1/2006 - Columbus Secure Shredding Name Change Reflects Community Commitment