Resolution 121023

..Title Recognizing The Sierra Group Academy for the work they do in reversing the high unemployment rate for people with disabilities in Philadelphia by training approximately 300 job seeking adults with disabilities annually. ..Body WHEREAS, The Sierra Group Foundation took over the Academy in 2011, from its prior owner, in order to save the Academy from closure; and to continue to provide ongoing vocational training services to the adults with disabilities who were currently enrolled; and WHEREAS, The Sierra Group Academy has increased its capacity to serve Philadelphians with disabilities by 60% since taking over the program in 2011; and WHEREAS, The Sierra Group Academy has created over 100 relationships with Regional businesses who host interns, serve as mentors for students and hire Philadelphians with disabilities from the program; and WHEREAS, The Sierra Group Academy has created a LINKAGE panel of 10 regional organizations that also work with people with disabilities in order to meet the needs of regional businesses regarding Office of Federal Contractors and Compliance Programs; and WHEREAS, The Sierra Group Academy has launched a bi-monthly "Extraordinary Events" Series for student enrichment; and WHEREAS, The Sierra Group Academy successfully led advocacy efforts regarding state vocational rehabilitation funding; and WHEREAS, The Sierra Group Academy has earned numerous awards including the Philadelphia Mayor's Access Achievement Award for 2011 and the National Rehabilitation Association's Award for innovation in vocational rehabilitation for people with Disabilities for 2012; and WHEREAS, The Sierra Group Academy has been recognized by numerous media outlets, including The Philadelphia Business Journal; now, therefore be it RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby recognizes The Sierra Group Academy for the work they do in reversing the high unemployment rate for people with disabilities in America, here in the Philadelphia region. RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented symbolically to The Sierra Group Academy as evidence of the respect and admiration of this legislative body for the work they do in helping Americans with disabilities. ..End