Abilities!

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Verizon-Town of North Hempstead Answer the Call to Assist Adults with Disabilities

February 7, 2006

February 7, 2006 — Albertson, NY — Abilities, Inc., which provides skills training for people with disabilities to compete and obtain meaningful employment, will dedicate new computer laboratories funded by Verizon and the Town of North Hempstead. This unique public / private / non-profit collaboration provides much needed technology enhancements for job readiness training programs for adults with disabilities.

(From Left) Jon Kaiman, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor; Francine Tishman, President and COO, Abilities, Inc.; Edmund Cortez, President and CEO, Abilities!; and Janet Jones, Director, Community Affairs, Verizon.

“In today’s business world, proficiency with technology and basic computer programs is essential. It also empowers individuals and provides them with the skills necessary to become productive members of our local workforce,” stated Edmund Cortez, President and CEO, Abilities!.

Verizon is committed to supporting programs that improve critical skills in literacy and technology. As a company that serves millions of customers, Verizon also recognizes and values diversity and inclusion. “Valuing diversity provides us with the ability to understand and better respond to the needs of our customers. At Verizon, diversity includes the whole range of human differences, including age, ethnicity, education, sexual orientation, work style, race, gender, disability and more. It is this understanding which provides a critical link to our communities and customers,” stated Janet Jones, Director, Community Affairs, Verizon.

Jon Kaiman, Town of North Hempstead Supervisor, stated, “for over 50 years, Abilities!, which is located in the Town of North Hempstead, has been a leader in providing training and work placement programs for people with disabilities. We are extremely proud to be able to assist Abilities! with their technology upgrades, as the training received in this facility ensures these individuals can compete for employment and become self sufficient members of our community.”

“Supporting Abilities is in line with our goal to help create and maintain jobs in the Town, as well as to help residents and visitors alike become familiar with the wealth of resources, both natural and created that the Town has to offer,” added Councilman Dwyer. “The North Hempstead Business and Tourism Development Corporation is proud to partner with Abilities,” stated Executive Director Leslie Gross. “The job skills students will learn as a result of this new facility will be an invaluable tool as they enter the business world.”

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