Ascend Services Recognizes Area Employers as Business Partners in their Workforce Solutions Program

Manitowoc WI., October 18, 2024- Ascend Services held their annual Employer Recognition Reception last evening at Sabbatical Brewing Co. The event is in conjunction with National Disability Employment Awareness Month which is celebrated every October to bring attention to the importance of increasing the workforce inclusion of people with all nature of disabilities. Ascend invited area business partners who participate in their Workforce Solutions Program, event sponsors and community partners to attend.
Ascends Workforce Solutions Program features three services, Prevocational Services, Mobile Work Crews and Community Integrated Employment Services. Prevocational Services is a work program in which the employer brings work to Ascend to be completed by our clients in our production department. The Mobile Work Crew Program is a team of 3-8 clients and an Employment Mentor travel to the business and perform the work on site.   The Integrated Employment Program features a partnership between the DVR, the client and the Ascend Employment Connectors, Logan Rooney and Kellie Soulier. They work together to find the client a job in the community with the goal of becoming a permanent hire. Currently between the three programs, Ascend partners with over 200 area businesses.
The event was attended by Ascend staff, area business and community partners, and Ascend clients and families. The evening featured a social hour in which Ascend clients, a staff member and their employers gave testimonials about their experience with Ascends Workforce Solutions Program. The testimonials featured clients from each of the three programs. Abe, who works with Advantage Driving School in the Community Integrated Employment Program, Travis, who is on a Mobile Work Crew at Kaysun and Trista who works on Alliance Laundry Systems jobs in the Prevocational Program at Ascend.
The evening ended with an awards program. Awards were handed out to businesses that partner in the Workforce Solutions Programs in three categories, Supports Ascends Mission, Most Empowering and Inspiring Work Culture. The winners were
Supports Ascends Mission:
Schwartz Manufacturing, Community Integrated Employment
Parker Hannifin Parflex Division, Prevocational Services Partner
Kaysun Corporation, Mobile Work Crew
Most Empowering:
Goodwill Industries, Community Integrated Employment
Alliance Laundry Systems, Prevocational Services Partner
Parker Hannifin, Mobile Work Crew
 
 
Inspiring Work Culture:
Woodland Dunes Nature Center & Preserve, Community Integrated Employment
Carron Net Company, Inc., Prevocational Services Partner
Alpha Baking Company, Inc., Mobile Work Crew
This year there were several new awards added. The Sponsor Superstar went to Nicolet Bank and the Most Supportive Sponsor went to Parker Hannifin. Honorable mention for sponsors went to Bergstrom Automotive, Miller Implement, Next Era Energy, SSR Total IT and UnitedOne Credit Union.
There was also recognition for community partners, organizations that Ascend volunteers at and partners with on various things. The Community Partner Award for a mutual partnership went to Manitowoc Marine Band. Honorable mention went to Salvation Army, Grow it Forward, First Presbyterian, Peter’s Pantry, Two Rivers Senior Center, United Way, Lakeshore Humane Society, Sunrise Horse Farm, Shady Lane Nursing Home and HomeCare Health Services & Hospice.
“Ascend is proud to be a part of this year's National Disability Employment Awareness Month," said Deanna Genske, Executive Director. "We want to spread the important message that we value all perspectives, especially those of individuals with disabilities."  Our vision is to be the number one resource and connection between employers and the people we serve. Our passion is to help people determine their career goals and help them achieve them!
The mission of Ascend Services, Inc. is to promote individual growth by providing community experiences, education, and employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities. 
Deanna Genske, Executive Director
Ascend Services, Inc
2818 Meadow Lane, Manitowoc
920-682-4663 Ext. 111