Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 17 D E C E M B E R 1 0 , 2 0 1 8 F O C U S H R / R E C R U I T M E N T Goodwill works with about 1,200 busi- nesses in Maine, New Hampshire and northern Vermont, and has helped 300 people so far find stable careers, according to spokeswoman Heather Steeves. "e low unemployment rate is making it difficult for businesses to hire, but we can be a resource," Steeves says. "Maine still has loads of great candidates, but people some hiring managers might overlook," including those with a disability. For employers wary of taking the risk, Goodwill offers continued on-the- job coaching and help with transporta- tion or daycare. Steeves' message to all employers: "If your business is struggling to hire, give us a call. We're going to ask you to keep an open mind, then we're going to help you hire," she says. About a year and a half ago Goodwill helped a woman named Robyn get a part-time housekeeping job at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Portland Waterfront after she lost her longtime position at the Maine Mall. She cleans the lobby and other public areas three days a week "She's doing a really great job for us," says operations manager Harold Shorette, noting that Robyn has never missed a day of work, received a perfor- mance-review raise, and was honored as the May employee of the month by unanimous vote of the management team. "She's one of the family." 'Reaching full potential' Among larger corporations, Bank of America stands out for its 300-strong workforce of adults with intellectual disabilities, mainly in support services though some have gone on to more demanding jobs in other departments. "Our goal is to help people real- ize their full potential each and every day," says Mark Feinour, the Delaware- based executive in charge of support services nationwide. Brian Bragg, who manages the team in Belfast, says that employees with disabilities are treated the same as everyone else and "rise to the occasion." "I don't see any of my team as having a disability," he adds. "ey learn a little differently so you have to tweak your style, but they are the best employees." Back in Saco, Creative Work Systems Executive Director Heidi Howard has big plans for Maine Woodworks. "We're very interested in hiring more people, finding more retailers and extending the geographic reach," she says. "We're really proud of Maine Woodworks and hope it can serve as an example … If you provide an equal opportunity and train people well, you'll end up with a great team." R e n e e C o r d e s , M a i n e b i z s e n i o r w r i t e r, c a n b e r e a c h e d a t r c o r d e s @ m a i n e b i z . b i z a n d @ r s c o r d e s Work is about purpose, being a part of community, as well as earning a wage and gaining personal stability. — Heather Stott Goodwill Industries of Northern New England S O U R C E : Maine Department of Labor, Center for Workforce Research and Information LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION, 2012–16 With disability Without disability Employment to population ratio Employment to population ratio Unemployment rate Unemployment rate U.S. 15.10% U.S. 5.20% Maine 15.50% Maine 6.80% U.S. 32.50% U.S. 79.60% Maine 34.60% Maine 75.40%

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