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RESPECT of Florida is the central non-profit agency for the State of Florida that helps employ more than 1,250 Floridians with disabilities through the production of commodities and contractual services that are sold to government entities. If you would like to learn more about us or browse our catalog, visit us at:
respectofflorida.org.
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A Message from Executive Director Ryland Musick
The RESPECT program is based on a federal employment program created in the 1930s. After the inception of the federal program, a majority of the US states have individually implemented similar initiatives called state use programs. These priority purchasing programs are dedicated to help people with disabilities find stable and meaningful employment. Each one is structured and funded differently, according to individual state laws. Another common element is that state use programs, like RESPECT, provide tangible cost savings at multiple levels across the state.
Each of the states with state use programs experience a significant reduction in government assistance and an increase in tax remittances. The savings to the states range from $2,400 up to $8,500 per person employed, per year. Additionally, the job and income multiplier effects come into play. The result of one person's employment equates to more new jobs created, and as those individuals gain more disposable income they infuse more money into the local economy which creates a broader tax base. Research indicates that each new job created serves as a catalyst to create up to 2.5 more new jobs. Furthermore, for each $1 investment into an economy to create jobs, a $1-$5 increase in spending is realized as those individuals, now employed, make more discretionary purchases.
As evidenced in research, the RESPECT program is a win-win solution. Once government entities increase utilization of RESPECT commodities and services, the state as a whole will benefit exponentially.
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Facebook is one more way RESPECT wants to connect with you. Click above to like our page.
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Meetings, Training, and Events
July 26 - Anniversary of ADA
August 18-20 - FL League of Cities, Hollywood
September 1 - 14(c) Wage Requirements Seminar, Marietta, GA
October - Disability Employment Awareness Month
October 5 - Exceptional Employer Awards, Tallahassee
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Commodity of the Month - Calendars
RESPECT offers desk and laminated calendars to keep you organized all year long. We are ready to provide you with your 2017 calendars. Purchase one today, so you will never miss another appointment. To view our calendar options, click
here.
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Made in Miami
Generally speaking, most people do not consider the precision and effort that go in to manufacturing an American flag. RESPECT's partner Employment Center, Goodwill Industries of South Florida, is one organization that fully understands and embraces the need for perfection in every stitch of every flag produced. Last year alone, the organization produced more than 4,000 flags for the RESPECT program and employed four individuals with disabilities.
Goodwill Industries of South Florida's work is so impressive, it even caught the attention of the Miami Herald, which covered the organization on July 3, 2016. For the full article and several stunning photos of the operation, click
here
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BAC Receives Funding for Training Program
The Brevard Achievement Center (BAC) recently received funding from the state for its Industry Readiness Training (IRT) program. This in-house program is intended to offer people with disabilities greater access to support and training to better prepare them for integrated and competitive employment opportunities.
BAC will use the state provided funding in conjunction with proceeds from its "Dinner in the Dark" fundraiser event to launch the program. Some of the funding will be used to build the work labs that students will attend to learn specific job skills. For more information about BAC's IRT program, please see the recent news release. To learn more about the Dinner in the Dark event please visit bacbrevard.com/bacevents.
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FL Association of Counties Trade Show
Commodities Director Lindsey Boyington and Commodities Specialist Jay Ayers attended the Florida Association of Counties trade show in Orlando June 28-30. The trade show was well-attended by County Commissioners, representing all 67 counties in Florida.
RESPECT connected with several commissioners interested in the program's core mission of employing people with disabilities. Though somewhat removed from the procurement process, they were eager to learn more about how their county could be involved. The commissioners were willing to engage in lively discussions and provide guidance on their county issues and appropriate purchasing contacts to follow-up with.
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| Florida ARF Operations Director John Bruntlett |
The presidential elections are coming in November and I want to use this opportunity to encourage you to cast your vote. The Republican and Democrat presidential candidates are Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, respectively.
Before we jump to the general election in November, we should all take time and focus on the primary. The primary election is fast approaching and August 30, is when the whole process really begins. Yes, while we mull over who should be president, we should first focus on the dozens of local officials that are about to be elected across the state.
We will vote on judges, senators, representatives, city commissioners, county commissioners, school board superintendents, and a host of other positions. Wherever you live in Florida, these local officials will have a huge impact on your lives. Hence, the importance. Many people do not bother to find out anything about these candidates before voting. Then when they get in office and we see how far removed they are from our own ideas and values, there is nothing we can do but endure the tenure of their term. Why not do it differently this time?
Go to the Supervisor of Elections' website for your county and find out who is running for what. Look into the candidates and find out what they believe in and what they do not believe in. Find the ones who fit your ideals and values and support them. Find out how judge so-and-so rules from the bench, you might or might not like what you find out.
Also look for what other items will be on the ballot. Constitutional amendments? Medical marijuana? Sanctuary city or county? Once you find out what other items may be on the ballot, take some time and get informed on the issues and determine your position.
While you are on their website, find out when the deadline is for registering to vote, if you have not already done so. Voting is not just a right, it is a civic duty! Those registration deadlines are not the same throughout the state. In Leon County for example, the deadline is August 30, the day of the primary. In Hillsborough County, it is August 1. Get it done in July to be safe, but get it done.
Yes, the general election in November is tremendously important for the nation as a whole and the airwaves will continue to be dominated with news and campaign ads. But it is these local officials who will have the most immediate impact on our daily lives. Choose them wisely, as they can do a lot of good or harm during their time in office. Educate yourself about the candidates and know what the issues are and where you stand on them. You will feel so much better walking out of the polls knowing you did your homework and you knew what and who you were voting for.
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