December 16, 2011

What We Did…What We Do…Is Who We Are

Gwen Ford, Executive Director

In the last month, an American president has been on my mind. Not one that comes to mind as often as some, but still one who led this country through a period not only of great changes in history—but great changes in its very direction.

Theodore Roosevelt, or Teddy, lived larger than life both in and out of office—and is one of the men credited with literally “making the earth move” for his part in the building the Panama Canal. Roosevelt was always a man of contradictions and extremes. He began life as an invalid—but went on to become legendary as an adventurer and explorer. Two widely different American movements claim his leadership as part of their legacy: the Republican party and the Progressive movement. A noted scholar and author, Roosevelt’s credentials include a Harvard degree and the first ever American Nobel Prize—which strangely complement his achievements as a soldier in the Spanish-American War for which he received (and eventually was awarded posthumously) the Medal of Honor.

And in between all this living and doing, he also found time to also be one of the most influential politicians of the late 19th and early 20th century, holding appointments such as Secretary of the Navy—where he led the single, largest modernization effort of a standing military force to date—and of course, the Presidency, emerging from a background of privilege himself to become known for trust busting, regulation of business, and the “Square Deal.”

I don’t offer all this information because I want to quiz anyone about the life and times of our 26th President—or imply his was an example without flaws. But it’s simply impossible to look at Roosevelt’s life and not be singularly impressed with the sheer amount of effort, intention, and action he put into every day of his 60 years.

And looking at the path Project HIRED has traveled not only in the last two years, but also over the last four decades, I am not only deeply impressed—but also deeply moved—at everything this organization has done, does, and will continue to do in support of the mission that remains our guiding light: to assist individuals with disabilities to gain and sustain employment, in partnership with business and the community.

From opening our doors in 1978 to the 2011 launch of the Project HIRED Business Collaborative, every year is marked by the steps our organization takes—sometimes big ones, sometimes baby ones, but always forward ones—to build a workplace, a society, and a world that sees and welcomes the potential of individuals with disabilities. And this year—we close 2011 in a giant running leap with the launch of the new website you are exploring today.

Navigating our way through these economic times has meant setting priorities and making difficult choices to ensure that Project HIRED’s work continued. So please know, we didn’t just find the time, resources, and energy to build this new website—we literally carved it out from the minutes and moments in between everything our entire team does every day. And when I say entire team—I mean that virtually everyone you know at Project HIRED (and some new faces you will soon know better) has played some role in launching this site. Not only is this our new website—it is also one of the most visible and successful team efforts ever.

So explore, read, click and enjoy this slightly early holiday present from all of us to all of our clients, supporters, and ourselves. Additional refinements are planned and new elements will continue to emerge over the coming weeks as we complete technical testing—so please watch this space as we put the final (for now) polish on our new pride and joy.

In closing, I leave you with some words from Roosevelt. No, not the one about soft speaking and big sticks. Different ones…with a humble tone that belies the powerful call to action I believe they demand every time I hear them.

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

And know that Project HIRED has, does, and will continue to do everything it can in support of our mission, with everything at its disposal, every day that we are here.

Sincerely,

Gwen