Page 10 - Talk of Tequesta - September '22

Page 10, The Talk Of Tequesta

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Entrepreneurs Launch Professional Career Services

For Adults With Autism

Approximately 80 percent of adults who have autism executive leadership at Royal Caribbean and BrandsMart and abilities to prospective employers. Additional career
spectrum disorder (ASD) are unemployed, which was the USA; and the founder of Kathryn Kerrigan Footwear, one development services provided by Work Force Match include
exact statistic that propelled two entrepreneurs, Kathryn of the first .com fashion footwear companies. Given her detailed assessment, career coaching, access to webinars,
Kerrigan and Michael Atkins, to create Work Force Match, technology background, Kathryn recognized many of her candidate profile, career planning and general employee
Inc. Work Force Match, Inc. is an innovation solution team members fell somewhere within the spectrum. development, training, and mentorship.
combined with professionals that provides job and career After meeting Michael Atkins, executive chairman of As stated by Atkins, “We want to encourage candidates
support for those with autism while in parallel, increasing Work Force Match, Inc., the idea came to fruition. His with ASD to enter the workforce in a supportive way that
the rights for those with autism (or who may be on the background includes chairman and CEO of Amaxven, a develops their confidence. We all have brilliant talents – let’s
spectrum). By consulting corporations, Work Force Match Hobe Sound-based management consulting and investment use them.”
assists employers to meet the organization’s diversity, equity firm. Their like-minded business attitudes developed Work Work Force Match is recruiting candidates and employers
and inclusion programs while also providing an opportunity Force Match. Atkins recalled a family member working in the South Florida region. To learn more about the company
for those with ASD to be part of the community. in the school system and recalls the brilliance and tragedy or to sign up as a candidate or employer, please visit
The idea has been a goal of Kathryn Kerrigan’s for many of unsupported autistic students. Atkins advises boards WFMatch.com.
years and is based on her own personal experience in the of directors, executives, and investors in transition. He Employment Statistic For Autistic Adults
field and countless friends’ as well. Kerrigan, once diagnosed developed and managed executive transition services, staffing The National Autism Society statistics show that about 16
with Asperger’s (outdated terminology), always knew she and recruiting systems for global organizations, SWIFT percent of autistic adults, including people with Asperger’s
was a bit different in social and work settings. “Most people banking network and Lockheed Martin aerospace. syndrome, are in full-time paid employment and only 32
are shocked when I mention it,” says Kerrigan. As CEO of Work Force Match provides solutions that support autistic percent are in paid work, but 77 percent of unemployed
Work Force Match, Inc., her background includes CEO of job seekers navigating the employment search and application autistic adults want to work. Our mission is to improve this
AI software development company; UnKommon Revolution; process, while effectively communicating their skills situation.

Hannah’s Home Collects 5,000 Diapers

For Single Mothers

Community members donated approximately 5,000 donated at an opportune time for the home’s residents; a
diapers to Hannah’s Home of South Florida in response baby boy was born just three weeks ago, and a baby girl
to a Facebook post alerting people to the need. Supporters is due later this month.
from Tequesta, Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens brought The residential program at Hannah’s Home provides
Hannah’s Home diapers of all sizes, with some also young women facing crisis pregnancies with housing,
contributing toiletries for newborns and babies on the way. food, clothing, child care, medical care, counseling, life
“It brings me joy to see basic necessities shared with skills development and educational opportunities.
our residents,” said Carol Beresford, founder of Hannah’s Since its doors opened in 2011, Hannah’s Home has
Home. “The recent surge in donations shows that we’re welcomed 72 infants. With a maximum capacity of eight
all in this together.” women and their children, the facility is currently serving
The Facebook post that included the request for diaper five resident mothers, two of whom have babies on the way.
donations was “shared” by 25 supporters, resulting in About Hannah’s Home Of South Florida
more than 2,500 impressions. Community members Providing a safe and loving Christian environment
for single, pregnant young women, Hannah’s Home
Resident Program Manager Victoria Bogan, Chief Operating is a maternity facility with a mission of offering hope
Officer Joanne Dively and Public Relations and Development and transforming lives through counseling, life skills
Manager Mary Arden Carroll celebrate the abundance of development, and educational opportunities. More
diaper donations at Hannah’s Home of South Florida. information is available: www.hannahshomesf.org.

Diaper donations

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