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Focus is a quarterly publication of the Raleigh Lions Clinic for the Blind, Inc. 315 Hubert Street Raleigh, NC 27603 919-833-8611 www.rlcb.net
Price Named JWOD Champion Congressman Recognized for Support
U.S. Congressman David Price was honored November 28, 2005 by National Industries for the Blind (NIB), Raleigh Lions Clinic for the Blind (RLCB) and LC Industries for his efforts to promote employment opportunities for people who are blind. Price was awarded the title of JWOD (Javits-Wagner-O’Day) Champion for his support of the JWOD Act. Congress created the Act to provide employment opportunities in manufacturing and delivery of products and services to the Federal Government for people who are blind or have other severe disabilities. The award was presented by NIB President Jim Gibbons, RLCB President Janet Griffey, and LC Industries President Bill Hudson. "The unemployment rate among working-age adults who are blind is unacceptably high," said Gibbons. "We are very appreciative to Congressman Price for his ongoing support and his assistance.” Unemployment among blind adults is over 70 percent, compared to the national average of about 5 percent.
Updates Coming Soon! In our upcoming issues, we’ll be updating you on the progress of the move to our new building located at 3200 Bush St. in Raleigh. With this move, RLCB will expand its business capabilities and employment opportunities.
President’s Message It is a pleasure to present this Spring Issue of Focus. Our award winners represent the very best Raleigh Lions Clinic for the Blind has to offer. They provide the energy, dedication, skill and enthusiasm that makes my job truly a work of love. They make the impossible seem possible, not only to those who work along side them daily, but to the many thousands of lives they touch in their communities. Most importantly, their achievements open the eyes of the business community to the endless abilities of blind and visually impaired employees and to our sighted employees who help complete a winning team. You provide the message I carry as I meet with business and industry leaders. I want to again congratulate our outstanding employees. I am very proud of your achievements. You make me continue to believe that the best is now and the future holds so many opportunities for people who are blind. Sincerely, Janet S. Griffey President/CEO
RLCB Awarded for Employee Retention National Industries for the Blind (NIB) recognized the outstanding efforts of Raleigh Lions Clinic for the Blind, Inc. (RLCB) for growing employment opportunities for blind adults and retaining current blind employees. To assist its agencies in their employment goals, NIB provided resources to each agency that met or exceeded employment goals. NIB encourages its affiliates to utilize rewards for continued employment growth. To assist its affiliated agencies in their employment goals, NIB provided resources and support, along with a financial incentive to each agency that met or exceeded employment goals. NIB encourages its affiliates to utilize reward funds for continued employment growth. As a result of its aggressive efforts, RLCB was awarded monetarily by NIB. “RLCB has demonstrated its commitment to reducing the unacceptably high unemployment among blind Americans,” said Jim Gibbons, President of NIB. “By growing and retaining employment opportunities, RLCB is assisting people who are blind in obtaining and maintaining independence and an improved quality of life—things every American strives to achieve.”
RLCB Nominee Benton Wins National Honor for Career Achievement NIB Selects Winner of Samuelson Career Achievement Award James Benton Sr. was the Raleigh Lions Clinic for the Blind, Inc. (RLCB) nominee for the Milton J. Samuelson Career Achievement Award. On March 13, RLCB President, Janet Griffey, was notified by the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) that James had been selected as the recipient of this national award. James is the second RLCB employee in three years to win this honor. Janet Griffey stated, “this second selection is unprecedented and a testament to our terrific personnel.” Through the years and his changes in employment, James relied on the lessons he learned as a young boy, and the boy with vision loss grew to be a man of transcending integrity who sings his song of experience to the people he meets in the Raleigh community. James’ family was essential in his development into the man that he is today. His grandfather, Clayton Emmanuel Tatum encouraged the family to treat James the same as any other child. Adjustments to activities such as chopping wood and bicycle riding were things James did with little thought to his disability. Of course, this philosophy opened a world of opportunity but danger as well. School and academics were sometimes a challenge as James did not excel at book learning. As his vision diminished, books were read to James, and other adjustments were made to accommodate his need to have a proper and fulfilling education. Again, his grandfather insisted James have a complete education. He attended the Governor Morehead School in Raleigh, North Carolina. A long distance from his family, he did not get to go home other than during long holidays. The opportunity of being Student Body President developed his natural ability as a leader. After meeting his wife in school James started a family. Having already been employed with Cincinnati Society for the Blind, in Ohio, James worked with RLCB from 1984 until 1987. Hired as a bundler he soon mastered many jobs in production. His father and grandfather taught James the importance of a strong work ethic and ability to work with efficiency. Not many people in any business can reach the potential that came naturally to James. James left RLCB to venture down other avenues. During the time period of 1987 to 1989, James worked as a snack bar manager while he improved his computer skills. This computer training positioned him to be hired at Holiday Inn Worldwide Reservations in 1989. In 1999 James began working with the State of North Carolina as a community employment specialist. James remains in this job today as he works to transition Governor Morehead students into competitive employment. Having been a student at Governor Morehead and having faced similar employment obstacles, James is walking on familiar ground. James is the current President of the Outlaw Bowling League, member of the Seabreeze Choir and the Raleigh Rockets. He is chairman of the Raleigh Mayors’ Committee for Persons with Disabilities and Chair for Accessible Services for Triangle Transit Authority. Still time permits for his involvement with Friends of the Library for the Blind, and the Transportation and Rural Access Service (TRACS). Proudly, he serves as an advisor on the Governor Morehead School Foundation board. For twenty-one years James has attended Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.
RLCB Selects Employee of Year Winners Blind Employee of the Year Mary Davenport has been named Raleigh Lions Clinic for the Blind, Inc. (RLCB) Blind Direct Labor Employee of the Year and nominated for the Peter J. Salmon Direct Labor Award. Mary is often referred to as "big mama" because of her caring nature. She attended Governor Morehead School for the Blind and began working at RLCB in 1969. After a 22 year career in environmental services at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh she returned to RLCB. Mary is experienced with many duties such as hot knife, keepers, turning ticks and labels. She promotes cleanliness, and comradeship. Mary says, "Everyone should want to work and working together as a team we can accomplish our jobs." Mary has two sons and three grandchildren. Sighted Employee of the Year Solomon Morings has been named Raleigh Lions Clinc for the Blind, Inc. (RLCB) Sighted, Employee of the Year. An employee since 2003, Solomon worked first as a material handler then moved to the warehouse. Currently the Warehouse Coordinator, Solomon works with Anthony Kittrell who manages the warehouse team. Originally from New Jersey, Solomon moved to North Carolina for a change of pace. Although members of his family also have decided to make the south their home, Solomon considers many employees at RLCB part of his family too and maintains a caring relationship with them. Solomon says he is very proud to work for Janet Griffey and considers her an excellent roll model. He would like to retire from RLCB some day.
Board Members of RLCB Robert S. Hall, Chair L. Merritt Jones, Jr., Vice Chair Mark Fountain, Secretary Dianne M. Ellis, Asst. Secretary Robert C. Brown, Treasurer James Harry Prevette Edgar H. Bridger William L. Churn Paul L. Hinds Jerry B. Day Thomas E. Edwards Hugh L. Liner Dr. Jane D. Young W. Casper Holroyd William G. Parham Sidney L. Scruggs, III Elizabeth R. Dupree L. Bynum Driggers |
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