The beacon, Vol. 3, no. 1 (Winter 2003)

GA
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Winter 2003
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are difficult economic times. Many hard working Georgians have lost jobs, careers and livelihoods. The skilled and unskilled, blue collar and white collar, high-tech workers and factory workers have been negatively impacted.
Throughout its history, Georgia has endured dozens of economic downturns. Many Georgians have used presumably bad times to make incredibly good career choices. Despite long periods of unemployment, they never lost hope.
That's what Georgia Works is all about. This initiative will assist those who see the proverbial silver lining in cloudy economic skies. It's for people who never run out of hope, who find opportunity in the mist of despair. Georgia Works allows employers to audition job-seekers even when economic times dictate no new hires. It gives unemployed Georgians a chance to develop their work skills even when employers are reluctant to offer new training opportunities or have few job openings.
Georgia Works helps connect motivated jobseekers with prospective employers. It helps employers build a more productive workforce without incurring immediate payroll expenses. More importantly the initiative will allow jobseekers to gain work experience, stay in the job market, and develop new job leads.
When given a choice, employers will almost always hire someone whose work they are familiar with . It's more cost effective, faster, and reduces the risk of hiring a complete stranger who answers a job ad. That's why employers seek personal references when direct knowledge is absent.
Job-seekers who demonstrate their skills and talents to employers while engaging in workplace training will increase the possibility of being hired by that employer when a job opens up.
Georgia Works is about hope. It is for people who never lose faith in their ability to overcome obstacles. It's for job-seekers who believe that hope always springs eternal. Does this describe the great majority of Georgians? I am convinced that it does.
I tkBEACON
A Promising Practice National Research firm conducts study on GoodWorks! Program... .......... . ... . ...... PAGE 2
DAS Wins Top Honors
Award recognizes efficient and accurate claims processing .... . . ......... ........ . ... PAGE 5
Accomplishments
GDOL Staff participates in Promina Corporate Challenge .. . . PAGE 8

ULIGHTING THE

Vol. Three/ Issue 1

GDOL Works to Stimulate Job Growth

Continuing job loss , skyrocketing gas prices and rumors of war have driven consumer confidence in the economy to its lowest level since 1993. And Georgians as well as the rest ofthe U .S. are feeling the effects of rising unemployment.
"While we are helping workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own by providing them with unemployment benefits and
access to training and job search Georgia Works Coupon Booklet.
assistance, what they really need are job opportunities," said state Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. "Employers are reluctant to risk adding new employees."
In response to weak job creation and lengthening terms of unemployment, Commissioner Thurmond has created Georgia Works. This innovative training initiative of the Georgia Department of Labor is designed to stimulate near-term job growth and hiring in Georgia. The initiative allows laid-off workers who qualify for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits to receive on-site workplace training, regular Ul benefits and a special training allowance of up to $30 a week. The stipend will help to defray some of the costs of attending training (e.g., child care, transportation, tools, work clothes, etc.).
Employers will provide training for a limited period. Upon successful completion of training, trainees will receive certification of job skills acquired and consideration for employment. The opportunity to train through Georgia Works is limited to a maximum of 24 hours per week for up to eight weeks .
Thurmond is confident that many employers, wary of creating new positions in this economic environment, will be encouraged to do so by participating in Georgia Works. "This initiative reduces risk associated with new hiring, including worker evaluation and training costs. It also allows employers to better match job-seeker s with avai lable jobs," said Thurmond .
"This is a tremendous opportunity for Georgia Works participants ," said Thurmond. "Not only will this allow them to remain connected to the workplace, it also allows job-seekers to add new skills, training and work experience to their resumes," he added . Georgia Works also allows job-seekers to market their skills to employers, and it provides the possibility of turning training into full time employment.
A person can become a Georgia Works trainee by going to a Georgia Department of Labor Career Center and enlisting the help of a reemployment Unit DOL Services Specialist. The claimant will receive information about Georgia Works, a schedule of Georgia Works workshop modules and a coupon to be used as a sales and marketing tool to the employers .
Five Career Centers-- Atlanta's, North and South Metro, Cartersville, Athens and Macon will kick off the Georgia Works pilot, and up to 500 claimant trainees will participate. The pilot kicked off on March I 0. Eventually all 53 Career Centers will offer the Georgia Works strategy.

Thurmond Sworn in for Second Term

Michael Thurmond was sworn in Jan. 13 for his second term as commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor. Gov. Sonny Perdue performed the swearing-in ceremony. The Department of Labor saw tremendous change during the commissioner's first term in office. Old-fashioned unemployment offices were transformed into state-of-the-art Career Centers. Many of the department's services became available over the Internet. The Department of Labor merged with the Division of Rehabilitation Services. And the commissioner helped put in place a historic reduction in unemployment insurance taxes. "Our focus in the last four years has been on helping Georgians reach their career goals," said Thurmond . "We will continue to partner with Georgia's colleges, universities and job-training services to ensure that every Georgian has the help they need to expand their horizons in learning new skills and landing new jobs and careers ."

Governor Sonny Perdue swears in Commissioner Michael L. Thurmond on january 13, 2003.

Vital Statistics Born: Athens, Georgia E.ducation: B.A. in philosophy and religion from Paine College; Jurist doctorate degree from the University of South Carolina School of Law. Political Career: 1987, first African American elected to the Georgia General Assembly from Clarke County since reconstruction. November 3, 1998, first African American elected Georgia Labor Commissioner. Family: Married to Zola, daughter, Mikaya.

Georgia Department of Labor 148 Andrew Young International Blvd. , N .E. Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1751
RECEIVED
JUN 2 7 2003 DOCUMENTS
UGA LIBRARI.ES

PRSRT STD POSTAGE & FEES PAID GEORGIA DEPARTMENT
OF LABOR PERMIT NO. 7077

FROM THE EDITOR

Janice Reaves Editor. The Beacon
Pay It Forward
I've been thinking about a movie I saw called "Pay It Forward." It is a touching drama adapted from a book written by Catherine Ryan Hyde. The drama is about a 7thgrade social studies teacher, played by Kevin Spacey, who gives a mandatory assignment to his students to go out and change the world. One of his students actually take it seriously and comes up with the "Pay It Forward" idea where he does a huge favor for somebody. The fortunate person can't pay it back; he/she must pay it forward to three other people, which sends it down an everlasting web of people.
There is actually a Pay It Forward Movement that resulted from Hyde's novel. Schools, churches, business and different organizations are involved . Imagine showing up for worship one weekend and instead of putting money in the collection plate, taking home a crisp $1 00 bill? That's what happened recently in a church in Nashville, Tennessee. An anonymous donor contributed $50,000 to the church, and asked the pastor to randomly give members of the congregation $1 00, only asking in return that the benefactors do something nice for others.
One group of high school students decided to cut and rake the grass of their elderly neighbors without being asked. Another group of elementary students decided to provide security blankets to seriously ill and traumatized children across the country.
After seeing this incredible movie, I've been waiting for my "Pay It Forward" moment, the chance to help someone when she or I least expected the help. By happenstance, one weekend , I gave a teenager a ride to his grandmother's house. Upon our arrival, he

told me that his aunt's new baby was in the house with his grandmother.
While I was visiting the baby, I also had the pleasure of seeing the grandmother, Ms. Ola. I've known Ms. Ola most of my life. In fact, she's the mother of my sister-in-law. The visit to the baby actually turned out to be a nearly two-hour visit with Ms. Ola, who's been very ill. Ms Ola and I had the best time sitting there talking about her new grandbaby, her trials with her illness and everything from A-Z.
Later that evening my sister-in -law called and said I'd made her mother's day with my unexpected visit. My point here is that little things can uplift spirits. In these tough economic times, take time to "pay it forward" to someone. Why not prepare a meal and invite someone over who may be on a tight budget? Give a friend a pre-paid phone card or movie pass. I guarantee you, it will make you as well as the recipient feel better when you pay it forward.
The Beacon, a bi-monthly publication, will consider for publication articles relating to ar dealing with the Georgia Department of Labor. Articles must be double-spaced and typewritten. Please include name, address and a daytime phone number with article. Submissions must arrive before the 15th of each month to be considered for the next issue. Articles may be mailed, e-mailed or faxed to janice Reaves, Editor. Editor reserves the right to edit all articles of submission. Suggestions and comments are welcomed.
The Beacon is available in Braille and other alternate formats .
janice.Reaves@ dol.state.ga.us (404) 656-2683 (Fax)
Mail to: Suite 600, Sussex Place 148 Andrew Young International Blvd. N. E. Atlan ta, GA30303- 1751

Back on Track-
Staying on Track
Story by john Davidson

"I can function in America," said June Jackson while attending the money

management class conducted by New Leaf Services, a wheels-to-work initiative in

DeKalb County. Jackson recently acquired a 1995 Mercury Mystique through New

Leaf Services, and the former TAN F recipient now embraces her future with hope.

"This program opened my eyes," she says. "Everything was so hard; now I'm back

on track."

Last year the Georgia Department of Labor contracted with New Leaf

Services to teach selected GoodWorks! customers to set up bank accounts,

establish a budget that includes savings, and purchase a vehicle through New Leaf.

Seven customers have purchased vehicles. The program was designed by its

director, Louise Turner.

Since its beginning in 1997, New Leaf Services has helped hundreds of people

acquire transportation so they can get to work. The agency provides affordable,

dependable cars to people referred by job-training programs who need a car in

order to work.

Jackson got a job as an administrative technician after learning some basic

computer skills at Dekalb Technical College. She participated in the GoodWorks!

program, and through New Leaf Services and was able to get a car. Now she no

longer has to walk the kids to school, then catch two buses and a train to work.

With her car, her life is back on track.

Being on track also means staying on track, according to the Case Manager

Elizabeth Mclaurin at New Leaf Services. Every other Saturday the customers

report to Elizabeth with a money order to pay for the car and another money order

to deposit

into savings .

Customers attend

self-sufficiency

classes each

quarter.

The customers

really appreciate

their cars , says

Mclaurin . "One

customer cried

when she got a

van," said Mclaurin.

"She's in class now,

learning how to manage her money -- and she's staying

New Leaf Services participant, June jackson, in her 1995 Mercury Mystic.

on track."

GoodWorks! Lauded as "Promising Practice"

A yearlong study conducted by Mathematica Policy Research Company has provided an in-dept look at the

design, implementation, and service delivery of the GoodWorks initiative. The report entitled, "Georgia GoodWorks:

Transitional Work and Intensive Support for TANF Recipients Nearing the Time Limit," was published in a national

publication. Mathematica Policy Research , Inc., known for its high quality, objective research on the nation's most pressing
social policies operates offices out of Princeton, New Jersey, Washington, D .C., Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Columbia, Maryland. The firm has conducted some of the most important studies on health care, welfare, education , employment, nutrition and early childhood policies and program in the United States.
Mathematica noted that Georgia is one of the first states in the nation to design a transitional jobs program targeted to TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) families facing welfare time limits and one of the few that

Georgia GoodWorks!: Transitional Work and Intensive Support for TANF Recipients Nearing dte Time Limit
D<Yf.,o~J,,. ZfltU

has implemented such a program statewide. GoodWorks is a statewide initiative that began in 2000, to help TANF applicants, recipients and non-custodial

lttn.,,.,.,.,l.l'm"rlfl

parents become employed and move to self-sufficiency. GoodWorks serves hard-to-employ welfare recipients who

are near or have exhausted Georgia's 48-month welfare time limit and are not participating in a work training activity.

Individuals who have received TANF for more than two and a half years and have multiple employment barriers are

eligible for GoodWorks.

During the year 2002, Mathematica researchers visited five GoodWork! sites, (Macon/Bibb, Richmond/Augusta,

Athens/Clarke, Decatur/Dekalb, and Fulton County (areas surrounding Atlanta) . Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. ,

found that:
GoodWorks represents a "promising practice" in the effort to secure work for hard-to-employ welfare recipients at or nearing the time limit.
35 to 70 percent of GoodWorks participants find unsubsidized jobs. GoodWorks demonstrates that clients with complex needs can

MATHEMATIC A
Policy Research Inc.

work if they have the right amount and types of supports.

In order to work, Good Works! participants must overcome

substantial personal and family challenges. They indicate that work supports are essential to their success.

ITS

GoodWorks provides employers with entry-level workers who are screened , t rained , and supported. GoodWorks participants expressed appreciation for their personal advisors. They felt the personal advisor 's helped them

Janice Reaves, Editor John Ard, Staff writer Carolyn Kowalski, Staffwriter Melissa Clark, Graphic Artist Huey Theus, Photographer, Artist Nicole Mangham, Layout Designer.
Graphic Artist

overcome their fear of working and other barriers to employment. GoodWorks clients concluded that, in the end , their success depends largely on t hem. As a result of the GoodWorks initiative, local agencies have been successful at coordinating existing resources to address
the needs of clients. In its findings Mathematica concluded that, "many TANF recipients with long histories of welfare receipt and multiple barriers to employment can and do work. GoodWorks participants indicated that the support provided by the program helped them gain a foothold in the labor market and build a foundation for future advancement."

If you'd like more information on the Mathematica Policy Research Inc., report, contact: Linda T Johnson, Director of

Official Newsletter of the

GoodWorks, Georgia Department of Labor, 1481nternational Blvd., NE, Suite 624, Atlanta, Georgia, 30303 , 404-656-3032, E-mail :

Georgia Department of Labor

LindaT Johnson@dol .state.ga.us.

The BEACON - Georgia Department of Labor

Vol. Three/Issue 1 - Page 3

building a world-class workforce
Career Center News

Albany The Lee County Chamber of Commerce recognized Lynne Jones, Employer Marketing Representative in the Albany Career Center, as Ambassador of the Year. Lynne was praised for her role in welcoming new businesses and her work in developing the ambassador program . Congratulations to Lynne on her outstanding work .
Americus Congratulations to Sandra Buchanan , Unit Supervisor, on receiving her 30-year certificate and pin. Also recognized for 30 years of service was Cathy Tyler, Employment Marketing Representative. Gwen King , DOL Services Specialist, was acknowledged for 5 years of service.

I

Sandra Buchanan

'

Athens Congratulations to Page Posey and Aida Jones on their recent promotions . Aida was promoted to Employment Marketing Representative , and Page to DOL Services Specialist Advanced .
Ray Beck was selected as the Employee of the Month for October 2002 .
Congratulations to Stanley Johnson for successfully completing the Career Development Facilitator program .
The Athens Career Center welcomes Greg Hutchins and Angela Martin to its team. Greg joined the staff as a service specialist and will be splitting time between Athens and the satellite career center in Greensboro.Angela is our new secretary.
Cornelia Jones and Carole Cooperrider have joined us in partner positions through the Athens Community Council on Aging.
Augusta Commissioner Thurmond officially dedicated a renovated state-of-the-art Career Center in Augusta on October 22, 2002. The dedication came during an open house hosted by the RichmondBurke Workforce Investment Board and staff, the Augusta Employer Committee, and the Augusta Career Center staff. The center will house the employment, unemployment, and voc. rehab. units, as well as unemployment tax representatives.

Brunswick The Brunswick Career Center was officially dedicated on October 30, 2002. The dedication came during an open house hosted by the career center staff, the Golden Isles Employer Committee, and Coastal Workforce Services , the local Workforce Investment Board (WI B).
State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, right , and Ronnie Bivins, left, manager of the Georgia Department of Labor's Brunswick Career Center, cut the ribbon at the newly-renovated career center as local officials and career center staff/oak on.
Cartersville The Cartersville Career Center co-hosted a job fair with the historic Pine Log United Methodist Church on Friday, November 15, 2002.
Many eager job seekers turned out to speak with the employers and training providers who participated in the event. During the job fair, staff from the career center provided workshops on "How to Find Job Opportunities."
Georgia government offices were officially closed on Veterans Day, but the Cartersville Career Center recognized veteran clients when they arrived at the Center on November 12. Center manager Jerry Garland, an Air Force veteran , said , "Nothing pleases me more than the opportunity to honor those in uniform who serve our country. Veterans know full well the price of freedom and honor its rewards." Jim Gibson, pictured left, told Jan Rucker, EMR and organizer of the event, "We were very much surprised . Even the VA didn't do this for us . It really meant a lot to us and Iwant you to pass that along to your superiors. "
~ A Special Thanks To Our Veterans

Columbus Congratulations to Sheila Delk, Cindy Pobbig and Dorothy Moore for receiving Employee of the Month recognition in July, August, and September, respectively. Congratulations to Donna Van Cleave on her promotion to DOL Services Specialist Advanced. Veda Causey, DOL Services Specialist Advanced , and Walter Pollock received the Customer Service and Team Player Award at the District IManager's meeting. lvey Webb , Toppstep Regional Consultant for District I & 6 was the guest speaker at Rutledge State Prison , Columbus, Georgia on January 23,2003 . Mr. Webb spoke to over 30 inmates receiving their GED/or OJT certification . The graduation was attended by staff of Columbus Career Center and inmates family members.
State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, fourth from right, along with, from left, Cindy Williams , chair of the Columbus Employer Committee, Michael Gaymon, president of Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Columbus Mayor Bobby Peters, State Rep. Carolyn Hughley. Tommie Chambers, manager ofthe Columbus Career Center, State Rep. Tom Buck, State Rep. Calvin Smyre, and Howard Pendleton , director of the Lower Chattahoochee WIB, cut the ribbon at the dedication ceremonies at the newly renovated Columbus Career Center.
Covington The Covington Career Center and local GDOL Vocational Rehabilitation office sponsored a Disability Mentoring Day Program , designed to get disabled job seekers back into the work force .
Christie Archer, Account Rep.; Participants Wick Jackson and Pamela Stevens, Brian Davis, Manager; Max Wright participant, and Shirley Lewallen celebrated National Disability Employment Awareness Month .
Covington Career Center Manager Brian Davis recently represented the Metro Atlanta United Way Workforce Development Task Force at a workforce development conference on Long Island , N.Y.

Commissioner Thurmond, Naomi Glen , DD; Manager Beverly Johnson , her staff and officials from the Augusta area cut the ribbon at the dedication .

Cartersville Career Center veteran clients enjoying refreshments.

Gwinnett County Commissioner Michael Thurmond officially dedicated the new state-of-the-art GDOL Gwinnett County Regional Career Center. The dedication came during an open house hosted by the Atlanta Regional Workforce Development Board and staff, Gwinnett Employer Committee, and Gwinnett County Regional Career Center staff.

Page 4- Vol. Three/Issue 1

State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, center. along with Sherry Moore, manager of the Gwinnett Career Center, cut the ribbon at the dedication ceremonies at the new career center in Norcross. Looking on are local officials and representatives, along with the career center staff.
Houston County Jack Tooley, Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist in the the Houston County Career Center, was the proud recipient of the Transition Assistance Program national award presented to the Family Support Center at Robins AFB, GA. The award was presented to Mr. Tooley by Secretary ofthe USDOL Elaine L. Chao.

The BEACON- Georgia Department of Labor

Career Center News (continued)

LaGrange State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond officially dedicated a renovated state-of-the-art Georgia Department of Labor Career Center in LaGrange. The dedication came during an open house hosted by the West Georgia-LaGrange Employer Committee, the West Central Georgia Workforce Investment Board, and the LaGrange Career Center staff.

Milledgeville

State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, elected officials from the LaGrange and Troup County area. along with Patsy Brewer, manager of the Labor Department's LaGrange Career Center, and her staff. cut the ribbon at the dedication of the newlyrenovated LaGrange Career Center.
Macon

State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond along with Carolyn Peeler, manager ofthe Milledgeville Career Center, and Milledgeville and Baldwin County area local officials cut the ribbon at the dedication of the newly renovated Milledgeville Career Center.
Newnan Newan's state-of-the-art Career Center was dedicated during an open house hosted by the West Central Georgia Workforce Investment Board, the Coweta County Employer Committee , and the staff ofthe Newnan Career Center.

L-R. Jack Tooley ofthe Houston County Career Center and Secretary ofLabor Elaine Chao.
KingsBay The Durango Resource Connection Center opened on November 4, 2002. The ribbon cutting ceremony was on November 12th. This transition center was opened to help the more than 900 Durango-Georgia Paper Company employees who lost their jobs when the company closed . By November 15th, almost 540 individuals had received services, e .g., job search, resume preparation , training and assessment, employment counseling, unemployment insurance, etc.

Walter Denton, front and Andrea Turner, rear, both Home Depot Associates in Macon , interviewing job applicants at the Macon Career Center Home Depot Job Fair on February 13, 2003.

Deputy State Labor Commissioner Milton Martin , local officials from the Newnan and Coweta County area, and Melvin Samuels, manager of the labor department's Newnan Career Center, and his staff, cut the ribbon.
TAG
Team Ag Georgia sponsored a workshop for small and limited resource farmers at Savannah Rapids Pavilion near Augusta. TAG is a partnership made up of federal and state agencies , and non-governmental agricultural organizations.

Staff ofthe Durango Resource Connection Center and Kings Bay Career Center celebrated the opening ofthe transition center.

The Macon and Houston Co. Career Centers, GDOL. recognized several business members of the Middle GA Employer Committee by awarding Faithful Service Awards. (L-R) are: Patsy Barron, Snelling Personnel Services; Ann Timms, Quality Computer Systems; Marsha Melvin , Warner Robins Supply Co. Standing (L-R) are: Pat Newman , Houston CC Manager; Gil Gonzalez, Piedmont Hardwood Flooring; Jonathan Martin, Constangy, Brooks & Smith Attorneys; Ben Pate, Clean Control Corporation ; AI Elvins, The Harmony Group; David Clinard, Macon CC Manager.

(L-R) is Rick Hatten , from GA Forestry Commission and TAG chairperson; Sherri Wilson , GDOL; Thad Gray, workshop participant;Jean Denson, GDOL; and Charles Hall, executive director for GA Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.

STAFF APPOINTMENTS

Susan Sherman, Assistant VR Director for Program Operations/Adanta Cynthia Hannah, VR Regional Director in Gainesville Annette McCauley, VR Regional Director/Columbus Mike Pruett, VR Regional Director/Dublin

Welcome Ron Williams as the new State Director/GA High School/High Tech Program
Daniel Cope is the new manager of the Camilla Career Center
Cheryl Winters is the new manager of the Douglas Career Center

The BEACON- Georgia Department of Labor
Rehabilitation Services

Vol. Three/Issue 1 -Page 5

DRSHighlights

Learning From A Master

Like many other young

women in the 1940s, Kathryn

Phillips wanted to help with

the war effort. So the Kansas

high school teacher signed up ,

became a WAC and had the

Army train her to become a

physical therapist. After tours

of duty in Denver and Japan ,

the Kansas native read an ad in

a national magazine that

solicited applicants to come to

Georgia as one of the early

Warm Springs physical

therapists.

"We weren't prepared for patients in the civilian world," she recalled. "People think all we did here was take care of

Melanie Ward, director of the RWSIR Spinal Cord Injury Program , joins Ms Phillips in front of historic Georgia Hall on the RWSIR campus.

polio patients, but as polio was

eliminated from this country

with the vaccine, we started to see other things like spinal cord injuries and

stroke victims , and we weren't really prepared to take care of those kind of

things. We didn't really offer patients enough ,"she added.

That revelation was one of many the 82-year-old therapist made during a

meeting with 25 North Georgia College and St. University physical therapy

majors who had come to Warm Springs for a three-day workshop. Introduced as

a giant in the field by Rick McKibbon, a physical therapist at St. Francis Hospital of

Columbus, Phillips shed some light on the state of physical therapy in the '40s.

'We had to learn to treat all those other things and we treated them any way

we could get results," she said, noting that those early encounters with

disabilities was the start of physical therapy as we know it today. "Nowadays, you

practice based on research, but there was no research in the beginning. Physical

therapy basically started in this country with the U.S. Army Reconstructive

Aides," Phillips remarked.

She also credited therapeutic exercise as the basis for what eventually

became the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), an organization that

"elevated PTs as medical professionals" who could obtain advanced degrees .

Phillips served as a full-time therapist at the Warm Springs facility for 28 years ,

from 1951 through 1979,andpart-timeformostofthe 1980s. Duringthe'80s,

the Pine Mountain resident also worked at the Georgia State Hospital in

Milledgeville. Phillips retired in 1989 but not before helping thousands of

Georgians cope with disabilities and overcome injuries.

Precedent Setting Award for Disability Adjudication Services

A Georgia program that makes disability determinations for Social Security has

won top honors for its precedent-setting claims contributions. Georgia Disability

Adjudication Services (DAS) won the Social Security Administration (SSA) Regional

Commissioner's Citation for its efficient and accurate claims processing. DAS is a

specialized program of Rehabilitation Services that works with the SSA to make

disability determinations for Georgians who apply for entitlement programs

administered by the SSA. For the first time ever for any region , the Southeast

processed more than one million claims. More than 130,000 of those determinations

came from Georgia.

The eight-state region Florida, Alabama, Mississippi , Tennessee, North Carolina,

South Carolina, Kentucky and Georgia was the first ever to be lauded with this

distinction . Regional Commissioner Paul Barnes did the honors .

DAS management also picked a winner when it nominated its Finance Manager,

John Williams, for the SSA's Robert R. Hinrichs Humanitarian Award. Citing his many

contributions to local organizations that serve the needy citizens of Georgia, DAS

Director Bobby Pack applauded Mr. Williams for his consistent community

involvement over the past 40years.

A native of Atlanta, Williams has been active in numerous organizations that help

the homeless, and as a member of the Concerned Clergy's Homeless Advocacy

Committee, John worked closely with local government officials to assure that

resources were set aside for the

less fortunate . Williams has also

assisted with programs in the

Atlanta public schools, tutoring

students in low-income areas.

A recipient of a presidential

commendation for his devotion

to community service in t he

region, Williams is an active

member of the Grady Health

Systems Hospice Team, which

serves terminally ill patients in

the last days of their lives.

John is a recent employee

of the Georgia Department of

Labor. He joined Disability

Adjudication Services two years

ago. He and his wife, Beverly, John Williams (left) holds the Hinrichs Award

live in Lithonia.

presented by SSA Regional Commissioner Paul

Barnes.

GA Industries for the Blind Assists with War Effort

Georgia companies have been actively participating in the American offensive to combat terrorism since the September I I catastrophe. For example, Portion Pac in Stone Mountain individually packages peanut butter made by Tara Foods in Albany. The popular standby snack provides fortified protein to the U.S. military in an easily torn open pouch so the contents can be squeezed directly into the mouth . Other foods in the daily rations pack, however, may require utensils and that's where GDOL.:s Georgia Industries for the Blind comes in .
GIB, a not-for-profit organization, operates two manufacturing/packaging facilities in Griffin and Bainbridge. Product sales make GIB largely selfsupporting, and for the past few years it has averaged about $7 million in revenues . When FY2003 ends, though , GIB's bottom line will probably top $1 0 million.
Regrettably, that positive balance sheet is a direct consequence of events that began with the collapse of the World Trade Center towers. Simply put, a wartime economy is a plus for GIB. "We are happy for the work," stated GIB Executive Director Jim Hughes, "but we abhor the circumstances."
"It reminded me of Desert Storm a decade ago ," said Griffin plant manager AI Hardy, "when we tripled J-spoon production and doubled plant revenues. There was so much work we ran three shifts, twenty-four seven."

The J-spoon, short for "just spoon ," is a versatile piece of heavy-duty polypropylene flatware manufactured in Hazelhurst, Mississippi by the state blind agency there. GIB employees provide the individual plastic wrapper and contracts for that packaging with the Department of Defense (DOD) on an annual basis, with a minimum monthly order more or less guaranteed for a year. But the DOD can issue a new work order at any time to increase the quantity to whatever deemed necessary. .. and increases have been occurring regularly.
"Prior to September I I, remarked Hardy, "we were doing the minimum 2.7 million pieces each month; after that date it jumped to 7.8 million. For the past three months we have been shipping I0 million J-spoons monthly, and we've already received orders for IS million each for March and April."

Eighty percent of GIB's contracts come from the federal government. In a typical year, the General Services Administration (GSA) accounts for about three-quarters of those, with DOD getting the remainder. During Operation Desert Storm, the ratio was very close to a 50/50 split; now it's 60/40 in favor of DOD.
'We're only running one shift, but we're working six days a week," said Hardy. "If the need arises , we're capable of doubling that," he adds, "but not without additional shifts and more employees."
''The Bainbridge facility is more apt to see sporadic surges," commented plant manager Kevin Kelley. The South Georgia plant had two significant production spikes, one in pillows and the other in the 8884 a six-part segmented classification file folder. "Both have resulted in increased revenues ," says Kelley, "and if increases stay constant for the rest of the fiscal year, sales figures could reach record levels ."
'We simply cannot predict with any accuracy future production peaks, the revenue increases which might result or the labor required to meet those demands," observed Hughes. 'We are in relatively uncharted waters here," he continued. "If we are indeed faced with a protracted military buildup situation , then GIB is very likely to continue to experience increased production demands for the next few months."

Page 6 - Vol. Three/Issue 1
Coffee Break
Katherine Gray
Most people around GDOL know Katherine Gray as "Ms. Katherine." Ms. Katherine , a petite woman with a quick tongue, works in the Facilities Unit of the department. She's been employed since 1988 and has worked for four commissioners. Ms. Katherine and I recently had the chance to sit down and talk about her job and her life outside of GDOL.
Ms. Katherine, what are your main duties here at GDOL?
I arrive here every morning at twenty minutes to six. I check all the bathrooms to make sure they are clean and have the necessary supplies such as paper towels, tissue, etc. All through my shift I constantly make rounds to every floor of the building checking the restrooms. I'm sure you've seen me around 2:30 or 2:45 making my way out of the building.
Yes, I have. I'm assuming you're leaving
for the day. Do you drive yourself to
and from work?
I travel by trains and buses. I've never learned to drive.
How did you first arrive in the Atlanta area?
I uew up in Washington , Georgia and moved to Atlanta in 1949. I came here with my Auntafter she got me a job in Clarkston, Georgia.
Did you ever marry and have children?
When I was young, I was wild and loved to have fun , but I never got married or had any children. I was born into a family of four brothers and four sisters, so there were nine of us. I was the second oldest in the family. One sister has died. But I have nieces and nephews.
Ms. Katherine, you appear to be in great health and you are always looking nice. What do you attribute to your good health?
I stay home and don't stay in the streets. I use to weigh 165 pounds and that was because I waseatingtoo much.l now weigh 135 pounds. I just cut back on the amount of food I was eating. I eat a very small breakfast and a sandwich for lunch and always an orange. I feel the acid from the fruit eats up the calories. I also cut back on eating fried foods and breads. Bread will put a lot of weight on you.
You say you get to work at 5:40 a.m. every morning. Are you usually an early riser?
Yes, I get up every morning at 4 a.m., even on weekends. I feel it's so wasteful to lie in bed all day long.
Have you ever thought about retiring?
No. Retiring will not help pay the bills, and social security is notenough to live on.
What do you do when you're not at work?
I like shopping, talking on the phone and I bake cakes and pies sometimes. Other than that I just mind my own business and enjoy life.

The BEACON - Georgia Department of Labor
World-class Customer Service

Commissioner M ichael L. Thumw nd Georgia Departm ent of Labor 148 Andrew Young Interna tional B lvd., N.E. Atlanta, GA 30303-1 751
D ear Mr. Thurmond :
Our son, Wes ley, was injured f ifteen years ago when he was nine years old. H e has been with voca tional rehabilitation for several years now. We j ust wanted to te ll you how much we apprecia te one of your employees, N athan Payne.
Mr. Payne has been so help fu l and encouraging to our son and us. He has ass isted us w ith th ings we have asked for and also done th ings for Wes ley Utal we didn ' t realize wo uld be poss ible . He is dependable and honest, and we know he will fo llow through w itlt what he te lls us.
Life can get pretty hectic dealing with all lite red tape inv olved w ith a handicap member of your fa mily. Thanks to Mr. Payne, he has ma de so many things easier for Wes ley and us. H e has gone beyond his requirem ents by genuinely caring for Wes ley and our fa mily. He is tru ly an asset to tlte slate of Georgia.
S in c er e ly,
~ ~ ~~
Jerry and Sherr y Jones
Sidney J . Burden, Region Director Valdosta Region Office 2809-B Ashley Street Valdosta, GA 31302- 1806
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am the mother of a 20 year old son, Nicol is F. Davis, who is currently in his second year of college at ABAC in Tifton. Nick was diagnosed at the age of six with ADD , predominately inattentive type . He is a brilliant, intelligent individual, but with specific learning disabilities.
As he entered college, his physician, who had always followed his ADD/ LD , suggested he be tested as an adult, especially with the stigma associated with Ritalin therapy. Dr. Waters suggested Nick consult with counselors at ABAC , who referred him for testing to Georgia Southern's Board of Regents. Among their numerous recommendations was for him to contact his local Division of Rehabilitation Services for assistance with specrt ic learning tools and opportuniti es.
Shortly after the beginning of his 2nd year at ABAC (Fall of 2002), he called me in desperation. I told him he has little choice but to seek the help recommended and available to him. Thi s led us to th e WaycrossWare County Division of Rehabilitation Services. Kudos to them!
I especially want to recognize Renee Giedl, Paula Tatro and Wayne Ammon s. Nick is easily intimidated by all of this, but from his very first interview with Renee, she made him feel extremely comfortable, confident and completely at ease with this entire "new to us" situation. I hardly knew thi s organization existed and certainly had no knowledge of the many opportunities available to Nick. Thi s all has truly been a Godsend and I certainly give him along with everyone else, my sincerest thanks.
In addition, Nick has found somewhat of a mentor in Wayne. Wayne has eased some of Nick's inhibitions and buoyed his confidence .
I could never be able to fully relate to you how all of this vastly contributed to Nick's self-acceptance of his "specialness", my #1 goal as hi s mother and as his #1 fan .
Please recognize the excellence of service of the above mentioned .
Sin cerel y,
~

Dear Ms. Holstein ,

I ju st wanted to inform you that you have an excellent employee

named Mark Chandl er. I called your office yesterday and spoke

with Mr. Chandler. He was so helpful to me. I did not realize until

the en d of th e co nversation that he was supposed to be off the

clock. I talked to that poor man for over a half hour after he was to

go home. He never rushed me. He answered all
~~ of my questions the best he could. The ones
he didn't have answers for, he found
names and numbe rs to help me.
I appreciated thi s so mu ch! I know that
people are qui ck to speak to supervi sors

when there is a problem, but I am

spea king because this was above th e ca ll

of duty. I hope you will pass thi s on to Mr.

Ch andler. S in ce re ly,

--_.J..

Carrie Shipp

Mr. Roderic k Wyatt,

I just returned from your office in North Druid Hills and had time permitted, I would have sought you out. I was une mployed for many month s and th ankfully I am wo rking again . I filed a claim with my credit card company regarding unemployment insurance against my payments. They asked for quite a bit of paperwork I did not have .

I came up to the office this morni ng. I ran into Thelma Gill espie at the

fron t desk. You need to kn ow that she was more th an professional

and courteo us. Sh e was patient and more th en helpful. She printed

out some documentation and took the time to explain it to me. I was

unclear as to whether it was adequate, so I called my wife. Ms.

Gill espie was willin g to speak to my wife to get a clear picture of my

needs. I ended up returning home with what I needed

inste ad of what I had asked for.

,_.,~.~ You already know that in times of stress,
the Unemployment Offi ce becomes a targe t of misdirected anger and fru stration. Yo u a re perc eiv ed as

.,.-"rr ':1,

unfeeling and uncaring. It is people like

Ms. Gillespie who destroy that image with their kindness and pleasa nt demeanor.

' (
\

Sincerely,

Mark Fingerm an

l
J
. .. .........-!

Ala n B . Carter
M ichael L. Thumt ond Commiss ioner Georgia Depa rtment of Labor
D ear Commiss ioner Thurmond,
I am w riting to thank yo u for the kindness and understand ing of each staff member at the Valdosta Career Center.
Each time I visit the Valdosta Career Center, I am greeted by a friendl y and helpful, Ms. Tiffany Gray. W hen I need ass istance with an issue, I know Ms. K ellie Ma ys is there to lend a helping hand. They exemplify tl1e overall leadership found w itltin your d ep a rtm e nt.
I am very grateful to everyone at the Valdosta Career Center, for his or her kindness, understa nding and support.
S in c er e ly,
Alan B. Carter

Commissioner Michael L. Thurmond Georgia Department of Labor 148 Andrew Young International Blvd ., N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30303- 1751
Dear Mr. Thurmond:
I wanted to personally thank you in yo ur role as Commi ssioner of the Georgia Department of Labor for in stilling in your employees such a positive, enthusiastic "cu stomer-oriented" philosophy. On those occasions wh en I have contacted th e agency, if the initial contact person does not know th e answer to my question, he or she will find th e right person. Addition ally, I appreciate the knowledge base that each employee has all of my questions have always been answered thoroughly and sufficiently.
I would especially like to applaud attorney Jeff East fo r his valuable assistance recently. Hi s patience and forbearance helped us both deal with what appeared to be a potentially complicated issue, but to Jeff was very straightforwa rd and manageable.
Please extend my gratitude to each and every employee at th e Geo rgia Department of Labor for their hard work , their pride in what they do, and their willingness to go the extra mile to assist those of us who contact the age ncy.
Sin cerely,
~-
Beverly R. Snell, Esq.

The BEACON - Georgia Department of Labor

Vol. Three/Issue 1 - Page 7

Son's Tragic Death Saves Many Lives
Story by Janice Reaves

Maybe once in your lifetime, twice if you're

lucky, you'll meet a truly remarkable person . This

person will be unique. Her acts and deeds usually

make a difference. Her life's work has purpose and

direction. Caring, considerate and deeply passionate

is synonymous with her name.

Well, that once-in-a-lifetime happened February

20, coincidentally the same day Ann Sechrist's oldest

son Clayton died seven years ago.

I initially met Ann briefly during the grand

opening of the Gwinnett County Multilingual Career

Center. She is a member of the Gwinnett County

Employer Committee and is employed by Gwinnett

Ann Sechrist is an active member of the Gwinnett County Employer Committee.

County Technical College as a continuing education coordinator.
As a member of the employer committee, Ann is involved in a variety of economic development

projects. "Just yesterday the employer committee

co-sponsored a job fair with the Career Center and

over 700 job-seekers were on hand filling out applications and interviewing for jobs,"

Ann said.

But what makes Ann so remarkable? you may ask. On February 20, 1996, Ann's 16-

year-old son , Clayton, was killed in an automobile accident. Ironically, a decision

Clayton had apparently made when he was I 5 saved or improved the lives of 42 other

people. "At I 5 when he got his license (learner's permit) he indicated he wanted to be an

organ donor, but we didn't discuss it," said Ann . But when he got his license at 16 he

turned around and looked at me and said, 'I want to do this, don't 1?,' and I said to him, it's

your decision, not mine, and he said of course I do," she added.

When Ann was told Clayton's brain damage was irreversible, she honored

Clayton's wishes to donate his organs. Ann was not a stranger to organ donation and

transplants. Her first recollection of the procedure was in the '60s, when her cousin

gave a kidney to her identical twin sister.

Today, Ann volunteers her time with Life Link of Georgia, American Liver

Foundation , Georgia Transplant Foundation and Compassionate Friends, which is a

volunteer group for bereaved parents and siblings.

Ann makes it her business to inform others about organ donations. A single organ and tissue donor can benefit up to 60 people. She says she feels organ donations are the ultimate recycling program . "It made no sense to me for this healthy 16-year-old soccer player, this body that I had fed healthy food to go to waste when somebody else could use it. Clayton was gone. And if he had not [donated his organs] other people would have died that day as well ," she added .
Clayton's heart beats steadily in the body of a ballet teacher with six children . His liver functions in a mother who now gets to live to see her children marr ied and grandchildren born , and his kidney and eyes are also making a difference in the lives of others.
"Losing Clayton is the worst thing that has ever happened in my life. There's nothing worse than losing a child," Ann said. But, there's a positive aspect, it's the only positive aspect I can think of and it's the impact donating had on so many people's lives. It's one way of keeping Clayton alive and I'll never give up the cause."
Clayton had his drivers license for only 5 days before the accident.

2002 Georgia Safety, Health
and Environmental
Conference
a Huge Success
Savannah was the setting for the 2002 Georgia Safety, Health and Environmental Conference held at the Marriott Riverfront Hotel on October 30-31 . Safety professionals from throughout Georgia attended the conference.
The Safety Conference Planning Board, a coalition of private and public sector employees in safety related positions, did an excellent job with the selection of conference speakers and topics. A total of 30 speaker sessions were available and included subjects such as safety and the law, workers' compensation, indoor air quality, lock out-tag out, environmental permitting, office ergonomics, Project Safe Georgia, etc.
Commissioner Thurmond was the luncheon speaker on October 30. He spoke on safety issues and statistics correlated with how those issues and statistics related to the workforce.At the Awards luncheon on October 3 I , eight companies representing a cross-section of divisions received various safety awards.
The 2003 safety conference will be held in Augusta, Georgia.

Gwinnett Career Center Hosts
Job Fair and Workshops for
Job-Seekers
More than 700 people and 23 employers participated in a winter job fair held at the Gwinnett Career Center on February 19. Some of the participating employers included the Gwinnett County Police Department, Primerica Insurance, Lake Lanier Island, and Hopewell Baptist Church .
The Gwinnett Career Center's job fair provided a unique approach to customer service by continuing regular business activities and on-site employment opportunities at the same time. Customers had an opportunity to attend workshops on resume preparation, salary negotiations and how to conduct computer job searches and then use this information in a practical application .
Rehabilitation Service counselors were on hand to assist customers with disabilities. And career center bilingual specialists were also available to offer assistance to customers with language barriers. The employers and customers expressed a great deal of satisfaction and pleasure with the event and complimented staff about the professional atmosphere, the flow of events and the variety of jobs available.

Earl Everett, Director of GDOL's Safety and Engineering, presents the 200 I Outstanding Safety Performance , Public Sector Award to Mike Reed, Safety/Benefits Manager ofColumbus Water Works.

job-seekers inquire about available employment opportunities during the job fair.

Local Workforce Board Breakfast

Growing up in Cochran, Ga., Nathaniel Williams looked just like any other strapping young kid in the neighborhood. He liked playing ball, and running free in the wide-open country that Bleckley County provided . But something was different. Nathaniel was born with congenital cataracts. A congenital cataract is an opacity (cloudiness) in the lens of the eye that is present at birth, or develops shortly after. If left untreated, permanent visual loss may occur. "I had an operation and my eyes got better," says Williams. "I later had a retinal tear in the right eye and a detached retina in the left eye. After this happened the retina continued to deteriorate." he added.
Nathaniel didn't let the disease discourage him from achieving his goals in life. He enrolled in the Academy for the Blind in Macon, and was a member of the wrestling, track and debating teams. After high school he spent three years at West Georgia College majoring in history and psychology.
Nathaniel started working for the Georgia Industries for the Blind in 1993. "I had been working in the private sector for 17 years prior to coming to GIB," Nathaniel said. He's worked in retail sales, the janitorial service business and in the security business. But it was his job at the Columbus
Foundry Steel Mill that made him realize that his eyesight was worst than he thought. While on the job he was hit by a forklift that resulted in a serious injury. It was then that he admitted that his peripheral vision wasn't what it should be. What sealed the case was while on security duty, he says people would be walking beside him and he wouldn't know they were there. "I finally had to admit that I didn't see the way everybody else did," say Nathaniel. "But how was I supposed to know if I never knew I was supposed to have peripheral vision," he added.
Nathaniel is now very happy as an industry worker at GIB. In his position, he operates machines packaging plastic flat ware. He also packs the flatware and does material handling as needed. His job also requires him to train new employees in the operations of the packaging machines.
He is the GIB representative at the Blind Coalition meetings and he also is a delegate for GIB at the American and National Federations for the Blind meetings. He says his wish is that there would be more training for those who are blind or legally blind. "These people have never worked before and if there were more training opportunities available to them, they could live a more fulfill ing life," he said.
GEORGIA ONE-STOP
CAREER NETWORK
Sponsored by Georgia Department of Labor
See the GDOL web site (www.dol.state.ga.us) for more information on G I

During the Fourth Annual Georgia Workforce Conference held in November, in Athens, GDOL and Sylvia Elam , Assistant Commissioner for Workforce Development, hosted Georgia's 20 local Workforce Investment Boards at an Appreciation Breakfast.
Commissioner Thurmond presented each board with an award plaque, in appreciation for their "dedication , support and contribution to Georgia's World - class Workforce System." Georgia's local WIB administer federal Workforce Investment Act funds through which individuals access training opportunities and support services. The boards also oversee the One-Stop System, which include GDOL services (career centers and vocational rehabilitation). Area 12, Richmond/Burke Job Training Authority is one of the top performing areas for program year 200 I and exceeded "met" in 16 of 17 federal WIA performance measures.

Pictured L-R, Carolyn Beard Richmond Co. DFCS Director; Helen Parker. Commissioner Thurmond; Aray Darden, Richmond/Burke JTA Director; Beverly Johnson , Augusta CC Mgr.; Dr. Charles Larke, Richmond Co. School Superindendent; john Smalls, Carolyn Ingraham, Augusta St. Univ.; andjoan jenkins CSRA Federal Credit Union .

Team Workforce

Pictured left to right, Bob Roesch, Cathy Bexley, Gloria Kusmick, Robert Smith, Sabrina Clemmons, Vanessa Gibson,julette Quinn, Vicki Williams; Back row: Tim Evans, janice Reaves, Andrea Harper, RayJosey, Kris Roberts, Bill Bexley, Sharon Baker, Corey Lunford, Roderick Wyatt , LisaJordan

Georgia Department of Labor staff showed off their spirit and their charitable side by participating in the 2002 Promina Corporate Run/Walk 5 K, which is three and a half miles. The team dubbed as "Team Workforce" gathered at Turner Field on a cool rainy evening to participated in the event that raised money for the Atlanta Braves Foundation and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta.
It's been reported that all team members completed the race in less than one hour, but special recognition should go to our top male and female finishers. Kris Roberts, of the Marketing Division, finished the race in 25 minutes and I 0 seconds , and Andrea Harper, assistant commissioner, finished the race in 28 minutes.
Team Workforce is gearing up for this year's Promina Corporate Challenge which will be held on September 18, 2003 . All Georgia Department of Labor employees are invited to participate.

GDOL
WORD SCRAMBLE
Careers I. gejud 2. iloart 3. raptreecn _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 4. sittar 5. tope ___ _ 6. lctrsuo - - - - - - 7. ioptl _ _ _ _ _ 8. dietnst

9. wbooyc _ _ _ _ _ _ I0. eusnr II. tcdoor 12. idrote 13. aeesyrrct _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 14. ochac 15. ttnareyo _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 16. creteha 17. itasersw 18. farinme 19. suotilncm 20. miaanlm

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