By Joanne Rego, Supported Employment Coordinator

As M.O.L.I.F.E., Inc. celebrates its 23rd anniversary, the agency is also celebrating the successful job placements of over 40 people with disabilities in their program who are proudly working for wages in our Greater New Bedford community.

These successful job placements are often the result of M.O.L.I.F.E., Inc.’s ability to job match their job seekers with the job seeker’s employment desires and skills when approaching job development goals. Most recently, M.O.L.I.F.E., Inc. has been able to match more employees with the ideal employers.

Joseph Abboud has hired three individuals who have both the skills and enthusiasm to work at their business. Jorge and Johnathan are working on the factory floor doing maintenance and cleaning up machines. Alex has cooking skills so his duties at Joseph Abboud revolve around food prep in the cafeteria.

Seastreak Ferry Service recently hired two employees. Ernie has maintenance skills, which have carried over nicely with his new employer. Patricia has skills as a telephone operator that were acquired while working for a previous employer. She was hired to work at the call center by Seastreak Ferry Service to do their bookings and reservations.

Big Lots in Fairhaven also hired two new employees. Both Johnathan and Austyn are both happy to be part of the crew at the new Big Lots.

Texas Road House hired Ron who is the perfect match for the restaurant establishment. Ron loves music and loves to dance. Anyone who has been to Texas Road House knows that there is plenty of country music and dancing to go along with your meal.

M.O.L.I.F.E., Inc. is very pleased with the partnerships that they have formed with the local business that have hired individuals with disabilities from their program. The recent group of businesses that they work with have quickly jumped on board to welcome their new employees by offering outstanding supports, understanding and accommodations to the new members of their workforce.

It should be noted, however, that there are still job seekers at M.O.L.I.F.E., Inc. who are looking for employment or additional employment. Recently Steven Doyle was laid off from his job at a car dealership after over 16 years of employment. Steven’s responsibilities at the car dealership included car detailing and parking lot maintenance. In addition to his job responsibilities, Steven was an excellent sales advocate for the company and encouraged many customers and friends to purchase a new car from his employer. Often times Steven’s sales recommendations earned him a well-deserved bonus in his pay check. In a Chamber Focus article highlighting Mr. Doyle in 2010, a former supervisor had nothing but praise for Doyle’s job performance saying that Doyle follows directions and does a great job. He added that Steven also got along well with his coworkers. Based on Steven’s 16 years of experience and his employment desires, the ideal job match for Mr. Doyle would be at another car dealership or a similar type of setting.

If you are interested in meeting Mr. Doyle to discuss an employment opportunity or to set up a job interview, please contact Robert Cardoza at M.O.L.I.F.E., Inc. at 508-992-5978.

If you have any questions about the Supported Employment Network or are interested in hiring a person with disabilities, please call Joanne Rego at The One SouthCoast Chamber at 508-999-5231.