Image:  Vonnya Pettigrew and MD PROMISE Staff with award and MDOD logo in background.

From the desk of Secretary Carol Beatty

For immediate press release:  
June 25, 2015--The Maryland Department of Disabilities along with its partners, TransCen Inc. and Waystation Inc., are proud to announce the Maryland PROMISE Video has been selected as a  2015 Telly Award winner for excellence in broadcasting and video journalism.  With nearly 50,000 entries from all 50 states, the 2015  Telly Award has become increasingly competitive and remains a sought after recognition in the industry.
     The winning video highlights Maryland PROMISE operated through the Maryland Department of Disabilities as a joint initiative with several federal agencies including the Department of Education, the Social Security Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Labor.  Maryland is one of six participating states in this groundbreaking national study, providing services statewide.
     The PROMISE initiative is intended to improve the coordination of services for youth SSI recipients and is aimed at achieving improved outcomes post high school.  These outcomes include graduating from high school ready for college and a career; completing post-secondary education and job training; and obtaining competitive employment in an integrated setting.  These outcomes are achieved through a variety of supports to include a case manager who is able to bridge the gap between the school, the employer, and the families to ensure a cohesive experience. As a result of the intensive interventions, these youth have greater potential to gain competitive employment and achieve long-term reductions in reliance on SSI.
     Area PROMISE Supervisor, Tonya Chubb , commented, "Our staff ensures a beneficial experience for both the youth and the employer.  The PROMISE program provides prospective employers with youth who are ready to work, pre-screened for job compatibility, and with ongoing support needed for success."
     Root Branch Productions, a local Baltimore based production company, continues to work to provide the community with quality informational multi media products as well as offering camps and other classes to area youth interested in video journalism.  Root Branch's CEO, Vonnya Pettigrew, said the following about winning the 2015 Telly Award, "It is an honor to receive recognition for work done to promote such a wonderful cause.   The PROMISE initiative impacts the community by providing support to at risk youth interested in working and does just what its title implies.  The program fulfills a promise to the economic community by helping to ensure a future workforce which is prepared and empowered to move the state of Maryland forward."
     For more information on Maryland Promise visit their website at www.mdpromise.org.

  The Maryland Department of Disabilities | 410.767.3660 

 Press release prepared by:  Carrie McGraw, PIO
carrie.mcgraw@maryland.gov   410.767.3654