Work Opportunities presents Cranston resident Hill with Frank Loughran Award

Work Opportunities Unlimited is pleased to announce that Al Hill of Cranston is the recipient of the prestigious Frank Loughran Award.

The award recognizes excellence in Supported Employment and is given each year to an employee who has exhibited creativity in job development strategies for individuals with disabilities.

Founded upon the principle that all people can work, Work Opportunities Unlimited is a community-based, employment service provider specializing in placing people with disabilities, and job seekers who experience barriers to employment, in competitive work environments.

As a career resource specialist, Hill dedicates his days to breaking down barriers and opening the doors to possibilities, for people living with disabilities in Rhode Island. He helps prepare people for the workplace and supports them while on the job.

“Al began his career at Work Opportunities in 2010 as a job developer before quickly realizing that his true passion was the lasting one-on-one connections he could make with each of his clients,” said Jena Rebello, director for Work Opportunities in Providence. “Al goes to extraordinary lengths to support and advocate for the individuals he works with, using the person’s interests and strengths to find a job that will be the perfect match, for the employer and the client alike. He’s also a natural leader and acts as a mentor to the Rhode Island Career Resource Specialist team that does the important job of supporting people with disabilities in community based work settings.”

“I’m honored to receive the Frank Loughran Award, but it really wouldn’t have been possible without my team members and the people that I serve,” Hill said. “My clients have inspired me to keep going, to find another way, to preserver, to expect positive outcomes … no matter what. There are entrenched ideas out there about what people with disabilities can and cannot do but at Work Opportunities, we’re all about changing those perspectives and leveling the playing field. We operate from the perspective that people with disabilities deserve to work independently in their communities, just like everybody else. I couldn’t be more proud to be part of a team that makes that happen every day.”

For information, visit workopportunities.net.

PRESTIGIOUS AWARD:

Pictured, from left, are Steve Wood, president of Work Opportunities Unlimited; Jenna Rebello, director of the Providence market; Al Hill, CRS/award recipient; and Trisha Wagner, regional director. (Submitted photo)