PARIS – The Progress Center Inc. recently formed an Employment Advisory Committee to assist with recommendations in the placement of adults with disabilities in a meaningful work experience.

The committee is made up of local business people, including Dana Chandler, Weston Chandler Funeral Homes; Liz Bennoch, Stephens Memorial Hospital; Bruce Little, Frost Farm Gallery; Michael Webb, Norton Insurance-Financial; Jeff Sutton, Maine Machine; and Sean Cameron, Northeast Bank.

The committee meets once a month with Stacy Blaquiere, program supervisor of job development, to aid in the placement of adults challenged with disabilities to find a meaningful work experience in the local business community.

The Progress Center and the Employment Advisory Committee both believe that everyone has unique gifts and abilities and should be able to engage in his/her community through work, education and civic activities.

Through their combined efforts, the end goal is a meaningful employment that translates to a win-win situation for the employee and the businesses involved.

Little said, “I really think education is going to be the key to success of this group. I feel strongly that both employers and perspective employees lack education in this process.

Employers certainly don’t know what to expect; likewise, neither do the folks looking for work.

Through the hard work of Stacy Blaquiere and the Progress Center, as well as the business people in this group, education is sure to help everybody.”