Education Forums Highlight Work Opportunities for Social Security Beneficiaries Bookmark and Share

December 3, 2012

Participants will learn about the Ticket to Work program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 3, 2012
Contact: Julie Rabinowitz, 207-621-5009

AUGUSTA?Maine CareerCenters are hosting a series of community forums in December highlighting work incentives to help people receiving Social Security disability benefits return to work. Events are scheduled in Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston, Machias and Presque Isle. The public is welcome to attend. Pre-registration is encouraged.

?We are actively targeting people with disabilities to help them achieve their employment goals,? said Maine Labor Commissioner Jeanne Paquette. ?Recent studies by the Center of Workforce Research and Information reveal the higher rates of unemployment suffered by people with disabilities. By showcasing the many support services available to them, we can assist them in accessing training, finding a good job, and making new connections with their community and a wider network of support.?

?The department can also assist employers looking to hire people with disabilities. People with disabilities are loyal employees and loyal customers. Hiring these workers makes good business sense,? she added.

Participants will learn about the Ticket to Work initiative that provides many Social Security beneficiaries with more choices for receiving employment services. The program encourages eligible Mainers to work through the CareerCenter to access employment and training services, vocational rehabilitation, and other support services necessary to achieve an employment goal.

Session locations and dates are as follows: - Dec. 5 - Machias CareerCenter; 10?11:30 a.m. Contact: Don Rice, (800) 543-0303

  • Dec. 5 - Presque Isle CareerCenter; 10?11:30 a.m. Contact: Peter Lento or Kent DeMerchant, (800) 635-0357

  • Dec. 6 - Lewiston CareerCenter; 10?11:30 a.m. Contact: Linda Roberts or Patti Gray, (800) 741-2991

  • Dec. 13 - Augusta CareerCenter; 10?11:30 a.m. Contact: Tracy Hotham, (800) 760-1573

  • Dec. 27 - Bangor CareerCenter; 1?2:30 p.m. Contact: Mike Johnson, (888) 828-0568

Maine?s statewide network of CareerCenters provide one-stop employment resources for job seekers and employers. Services for job seekers include job referrals, career counseling, job hunting workshops, labor market information, skills assessment and information on training. The public can use the CareerCenter to access the Internet for employment related purposes and computers are available for resume development. CareerCenters also offer specialized employment services for people with disabilities.

For more information, visit your local CareerCenter or call 1-888-457-888 (TTY users dial Maine Relay 711) or visit www.mainecareercenter.com.

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