Washington, D.C. – Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) was recently named an AbilityOne Congressional Champion for his commitment to constituents with disabilities and to the AbilityOne program. AbilityOne is a federal program that currently provides employment opportunities to more than 40,000 people who are blind or have other significant disabilities in the United States. Despite years of effort, nearly 70 percent of this population do not have jobs.
Brooks has toured and met with employees at Phoenix in Huntsville, one of more than 500 nonprofit agencies affiliated with the AbilityOne program. Phoenix has been serving our community since the 1950’s by working with local, state, and federal government and the private sector to support employment opportunities for people with
significant disabilities. Phoenix employs more than 450 people with a disability at their manufacturing facility, Redstone Military Installation, and throughout North Alabama.
Congressman Brooks is presented the AbilityOne Congressional Champion award by
Phoenix representatives Wes Tyler, Brian Sarkisian, and Chelbrel Calhoun.
Phoenix CEO Bryan Dodson
Phoenix CEO Bryan Dodson said, “Phoenix commends Congressman Brooks for recognizing the many benefits to society and people with disabilities that the AbilityOne program provides. We thank him for his continued support and commitment to helping people with disabilities increase their independence through employment.”
Congressman Brooks said, “An important part of Phoenix’s success in providing employment opportunities is the AbilityOne program, a public-private partnership that provides meaningful benefits to our
Congressman Mo Brooks
community and our country. Of the many rewarding jobs accomplished by workers in the AbilityOne program, hundreds of American flags are produced on a daily basis in Alabama by our fellow citizens at Phoenix. It was a pleasure to meet with AbilityOne representatives at my office in Washington, and to hear from Phoenix employee Brian Sarkisian how the program has given him fulfillment and the freedom to live an independent life. I’m extremely proud of the work done through this program to further the job prospects for many hardworking individuals across North Alabama.”
MEDIA RELEASE/LAUREN VANDIVER
