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Christopher's Story Overcoming the challenge of autism to find a job where his talents shine .... MORE |
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United Way Agency Profile:LEAP: Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential Founded in 1981, Linking Employment, Abilities and Potential (LEAP) is a service and advocacy organization for individuals with disabilities. LEAP runs five programs through offices in Lorain and Cuyahoga Counties: benefits analysis for people with disabilities; The Doris Brennan Center for Disability Education and Advocacy (DBC), a disability resource center; skills training for employment in the health care field; community employment services; and Job Link, an employment program targeted for youth with disabilities. United Way funds the Job Link program, an award winning, nationally recognized youth employment program. In addition to these programs, LEAP plays an important role as an aggressive, comprehensive advocate that promotes the rights of people with disabilities locally, statewide and nationally. DBC operates one of seven "Advocating for Public Policy Change" sites in the state and has an outstanding record of achievement in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities. LEAP is special because it is a "consumer controlled" agency, which means that those who benefit from the agency's activities also control its governance. Seventy percent of the board members and 60 percent of the 53 staff are persons with disabilities. More than 1,500 people used LEAP's programs last year, in addition to the 3,000 people who called LEAP's information and referral call center in 2005. On September 15, LEAP will be celebrating its 25th year of service to the community with a gala fund-raiser at LaCentre in Westlake. The event will include live and silent art auctions with funds raised benefiting LEAP. For an invitation or sponsorship information, contact Melanie Hogan, LEAP's Executive Director, at 216-696-2716 ext.108 or mhogan@leapinfo.org. For more information about LEAP's services or to volunteer, visit their web site at leapinfo.org or contact LEAP's Communications Director Maria Wolf at 216-696-2716 ex.109 or mwolf@leapinfo.org. |
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