Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, 2017 September

Dreaming Big
September2017

In This Issue
Page 1 -- MLK Statue Unveiling Page 2 -- Staff Shows School Spirit Page 3 -- BEP Happenings Page 3 -- DAS Employee of the Month Page 4 -- Needing a Lift: A Success Story Page 5 -- A Harvest at RWS Page 6 -- SRC Gets Down to Business Page 7 -- Louise Hill Gives Convocation Page 8 -- The GRA Conference Page 9 -- GVRS Gets New Board Member Page 9 -- GVRS Board Member Spotlight: Jimmy Defoor Page 10 -- GVRS Board Tours RWS Page 11 -- Calendar of Events Page 11 -- RWS Program Gets Certified Page 12 -- Spotlight on Rep. Christian Coomer Page 13 -- A Note from Deputy Executive Director Kevin Harris Page 14 -- Tiffany Hudson Promoted Page 14 -- GRA Award Winners Page 15 -- Working With GVRA Retirees Page 16 -- D.C. Goes to GIB Page 17 -- Sodexo is Employer of the Year Page 18 -- RWS Direct Entry Gets Video Treatment Page 18 -- Client Handbook Translated Into ASL Page 19 -- Business Process Rollout

The Lessons of History
Honoring the Legacy of MLK

GVRA leadership and staff were on hand with dignitaries from across the state on Aug. 28 for the unveiling of the Martin Luther King Jr. statue on the Georgia Capitol Grounds, the first of its kind on the property in the last 20 years.
The eight-foot-tall bronze statue was created with locally sourced materials by Atlanta-based sculptor Martin Dawe of Cherrylion Studios and stands atop a 36-inch pedestal made of Georgia granite.
"The statue we unveiled today pays tribute to Dr. King's character and legacy," said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. "This memorial tells another part of our great state's story and makes an important statement about the value of inclusion, the strength of diversity, and the power of grace."

He also talked about the importance of inclusion in GVRA's own internal culture. "We have to model what we preach in our own organization too if we're going to honor the dream. Inclusion should be intrinsic, and we should exemplify all kinds of diversity as a natural part of our culture. I look at my coworkers. So many of the people I see every day have skin in the game. Either they have a disability, or they have a spouse or a child who has one. It's part of who we are, and it's what makes our workplace better and makes us better. I think it's also what makes coming to work everyday so much more than just a job."
The Dr. King statue stands in the original location of Georgia's Liberty Bell replica, which rang on Capitol grounds for special and patriotic occasions from 1950 until 1976 and is now located in Liberty Plaza.

GVRA Executive Director Sean T. Casey said that the lessons shared by Dr. King resonate specifically with the inclusive mission of GVRA.

"GVRA's entire mission is to make hiring people with disabilities a natural part of the recruitment process and the culture as a whole," Sean said. "We want that thirteen or fourteen year old who has a disability to assume that, when he or she grows up, being a partner in a law practice or a VP of a major company is a possibility. Dr. King talked about judging people by the content of their character, and that's exactly the principle that what we live out. We want the clients we work with--and some of them are as young as fourteen--to be evaluated by who they are and the skills they offer."
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GVRA staff across the state celebrated "College Football Team Day" by sporting the colors of their favorite teams. Nobody can say that GVRA staff doesn't have spirit!
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BEP Happenings

It's been a busy month in the Business Enterprise Program. A few things of note:
The BEP Fort Gordon location under Contract Manager Franklin Hulsey received a "commendable" rating as a result of a week-long inspection of the food service at that location. This is the highest rating a company can receive, and this is the second time Mr. Hulsey's location has received this rating. Kudos to Mr. Hulsey and his staff for their hard work.

Also, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is opening a new building in Chamblee, and the BEP has established a micro market food service facility there, which will be managed by licensed blind vendor Deloris Butler.
Finally, Thomas Simpson, who is coming from employment services in Valdosta, will be joining our BEP staff. Let's all welcome Thomas aboard.

DAS Employee of the Month

Ashley Overstreet's nomination for Disability Adjudication Services was submitted by Tonya Mounkes in the category of teamwork. Below is her nomination.
Ashley is one of those employees who can step up in a moment's notice and perform any duties needed to help our Savannah office run smoothly.
Our office phone system has been disrupted for months (making it impossible to access staff using the 4-digit extension). Therefore, several messages are left daily on our roll-over line from claimants, third parties, medical providers and representatives. One of Ashley's daily duties involves monitoring these messages, looking up the particulars of the case involved and taking whatever action is necessary based on the specifics of the call.
She works hard to handle this without having to involve the adjudicator and carefully documents the actions she has taken. A few month's ago, she created an

Excel spreadsheet to assist the Savannah supervisors in tracking and monitoring adjudicator data. She has completed monthly stat sheets for Savannah examiners.
She monitors all upstairs fax machines for incoming medical records and/or fax failures and notifies the adjudicator accordingly, and she routinely prints and compiles training materials for all Savannah staff.
She monitors the upstairs reception desk and facilitates all Savannah hearings, and she consistently demonstrates a professional and pleasant demeanor toward all visitors.
Ashley Overstreet is extremely deserving of the employee of the month award because of her strong commitment to the Savannah team.

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Needing a Lift
GVRA Helps a Young Attorney Hit the Road

There's an old adage that the wheels of government turn slowly. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. When decisions are made that affect the population at large or involve taxpayer dollars, it's important that the decision makers weigh the options carefully.
But sometimes, time isn't a luxury.
In October of last year, Matt Cavedon was in a car accident. Matt, a 2015 graduate of Emory Law School who now clerks for U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia, travelled a lot for work. Without a car, he couldn't do his job, which requires that drive all the way from Waycross to Savannah.
Matt first entered the orbit of Vocational Rehabilitation while growing up in Connecticut. They provided him with adaptive transportation among other things.
Under ideal circumstances, when a person is in an accident they can get a rental or find a quick replacement but Matt uses a car that has been adapted with hand controls, and these are much tougher to come by, with the mechanical accommodations often taking months to be retrofitted into the new vehicle.
That's when Matt's GVRA Counselor Gale Speich acted. Quickly.
Prior to his release from the hospital in January 2017, GVRA had already purchased and had hand controls added to a car, altogether ensuring that Matt wouldn't have to change the way he works or modify his workload.

But more than that, he said, having a car went beyond meeting his career obligations. It also gave him the freedom to live where he wanted and to move about the world as he saw fit.
"Having independence is huge. Independence is dignity and spontaneity," he said. "The thing I realized when I was in the hospital is that being able to do what you want does so much for your worth as a person."
Matt said that he is grateful to Gale Speich and to GVRA for allowing him to regain his independence after his accident.
"I'm very much appreciative for all the help I received," he said. "

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Planting a Seed
RWS Greenhouse Has First Harvest

RWS students (pictured from left below) DaShawn Foster, Kevin Lowe, Mclain Duncan, RaShawn Foster and Jacob Cotton recently celebrated the first crops from the vocational campus's new greenhouse.
Dedicated last May, the "high tunnel hoop house" has allowed the addition of food crop training to the horticulture program at Roosevelt Warm Springs.
This summer's crops included tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, green beans, okra, cantaloupe and corn. Students in the horticulture program work towards the SuperCrew 10-part certification for

landscape workers offered by the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Made possible by donations from the Two Rivers Resource Conservation and Development Council, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Roosevelt Warm Springs Development Fund and Georgia Power, the new greenhouse expands students' employment opportunities at feed and seed stores and small farming operations.
Also pictured is RWS volunteer Kevin Lowe (pictured far right below).

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The State Rehabilitation Council recently met for the first time in several months at the annual Georgia Rehabilitation Association conference. The council is committed to being the voice of the client and for the first time in several years is fully filled.
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The Importance of Relationships
Board Member Louise Hills Gives Convocation

Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Services Board Member Louise Hill gave the recent convocation address at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, where she previously attended for several years before moving to the University of Georgia. The event culminated with the announcement that a scholarship at ABAC would be named in her honor.
At the convocation, which is a formal induction ceremony of that year's freshman class, Hill talked about some of the things she's learned in life and how the young students can apply them to their futures.
Specifically, she stressed that those in attendance remember the three R's: reach, relationships and reality.

As freshmen first beginning their college career--and the rest of their lives--students have the opportunity to push themselves in ways they never thought possible, she said. College is a safe place, and while they're there, they need to reach for great things, stepping out of their comfort zone to see what they can accomplish.
In addition, she said, college is a social experience, and those relationships, both personal and possibly one day professional, can give them chances and supports they wouldn't otherwise have had.
Louise mentioned that when she went to ABAC, one of her classmates was "Bubba" Bridges, who, as fate would have it, is now ABAC President Dr. David Bridges. It was Dr. Bridges that invited her to give the convocation, she said, and never would she have dreamed that the friendship she developed with him so many years ago would have one day in the future put her on that stage giving the convocation.
Finally, Louise said, it's going to be crucial for these young men and women to remember the first two R's when the realities of life become too unpleasant. Every person in the world has struggles and challenges, and in these moments, it will be vital to have supportive relationships and to have the will and ability to reach for something greater.

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GVRA Executive Director Sean T. Casey spoke at this year's annual Georgia Rehabilitation Association conference at Callaway Gardens. The keynote speaker, illusionist Joe Turner (right), talked about how to grow your brand and not just accept the circumstances you are given.
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New Board Member Named
Faye Perdue Joins the GVRS Board

Faye Perdue was recently appointed by Governor Nathan Deal to be the newest member of the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Services board. She replaces longtime member Bob Green, and we thank him for his service.
Perdue is an insurance agent for State Farm. She was previously a senior vocational rehabilitation counselor for the Independent Living Skills Training Program at Roosevelt Warm Springs and a senior disability adjudicator.

Perdue is secretary of the Three Rivers Regional Commission, a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Meriwether County and a member and former chairperson of the Meriwether County Chamber of Commerce. She is also a graduate of Leadership Meriwether. Perdue earned a bachelor's degree in Sociology and a master's degree in Guidance Counseling from the University of West Georgia.
She and her husband, Chip, have two children and live in Gay.

GVRS Board Member Spotlight
Featuring Chairman Jimmy Defoor
Editor's Note: In this section, we'll be doing monthly profiles of each of the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Services board members.
Jimmy Defoor has been chairman of the Georgia Vocational Services Board since its establishment as the governing board of GVRA four years ago.
Defoor retired as assistant commissioner over rehabilitation services in the Georgia Department of Labor. He served as division director of rehabilitation services in the Department of Human Resources. He earned a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Georgia. Defoor is a member of the National Rehabilitation Association and past president of the Georgia Rehabilitation Association. He and his wife, Aurena, have three children and eight grandchildren.
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The GVRS Board recently toured the campus of Roosevelt Warm Springs where members learned about the various career paths students can take and the high-tech equipment students use to learn their craft.
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Calendar of Events

Oct. 6-8 Under the Stars 2 Family Camp Camp Twin Lakes Will-A-Way 210 South Broad Street #5 Winder, GA 30680

Oct. 25-27 Georgia Conference on Children and Families 2 10th St. Augusta, GA 30901

Oct. 14 Georgia Race for Autism Fall Festival Gwinett Fairground 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy Lawrenceville, GA 30045
Oct. 20-22 My Voice. My Participation. My Board. Leadership Seminar for Adults with I/DD To Apply Online, click here: https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/mvmpmb2017

Nov. 2-4 Innovate. Motivate. Collaborate. The Arc National Convention 2017 Sheraton Hotel and Marina 1380 Harbor Island Dr. San Diego, CA 92101

Certification!
RWS CNC Program Gets the Good News

The Roosevelt Warm Springs Computer Numeric Control (CNC) program recently received certification through the industrygiant Fanuc.

"This is a big deal for us," he said. "It shows that we're going to give students the skills they need to get out in the workforce and

The GVRA Office of Communications and Marketing was on campus helping with the production of a video highlighting the CNC program, the final requirement for certification through Fanuc, a systems manufacturer which offers a complete range of industry-leading products and provides all the robotics and CNC systems at RWS.

With the recent certification, both the CNC and robotics programs at RWS are now certified, further ensuring that they can be a resource to students who are looking for high-demand careers, said CNC and Robotics Instructor Billy Garrett.

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Get to Know a Legislator
This Month We Feature Rep. Christian Coomer

Justice; Retirement; Rules; and Transportation.

In addition, he has been appointed to the Public Defender Council Legislative Oversight Committee, the Fiscal Affairs Oversight Joint Subcommittee, the Juvenile Justice State Advisory Group, and the Joint Transit Study Committee.

Rep. Coomer earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication, Magna Cum Laude, from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee and his Juris Doctor degree at the University of Georgia in Athens. He served four years on active duty in the United States Air Force as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) and still serves as a JAG in the Georgia Air National Guard.

Christian Coomer represents Bartow and Floyd Counties in the Georgia House of Representatives. Rep. Coomer was first elected to the House in 2010.
He was unanimously elected by his Republican colleagues as the Majority Caucus Whip in 2016. Prior to serving as Majority Whip, Rep. Coomer was the chairman of the House Transportation Committee. In that role, he led the House's oversight of the nearly $4 billion annual budget of the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Rep. Coomer also served as Senior Floor Leader to Governor Nathan Deal, shepherding the Governor's legislation through the House. Rep. Coomer is a member of the following standing committees: Appropriations; Banks and Banking; Ethics; Judiciary Noncivil; Juvenile

After returning home from military service, Rep. Coomer started his private law practice in Cartersville. He represents clients before various government boards and agencies and in civil and criminal litigation.
Locally, Rep. Coomer has served as a member of several non-profit organizations including the Good Neighbor Homeless Shelter, Adairsville Church of God, and North Bartow Toys for Tots. Rep. Coomer has been awarded the Chief Justice Robert Benham award for his contributions to the profession of law as a leader in community service and volunteerism.
Christian met his wife Heidi at Lee University, where she earned her degree in Music. They have two sons, Christian and Collin, and a daughter, Vivian, who was born in June, 2016.

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A Reflection on Agency Culture
By Deputy Executive Director Kevin Harris
regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, self-doubt and ego. The other is good he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith. This same fight is going on inside you and inside every other person, too." The grandson thought about it for a minute, and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?" The old man simply replied, "The one you feed."

When I arrived at GVRA in 2012, one of the first people that I met made a lasting impact on me. Five years later, his attitude, demeanor and concern for his co-workers and our clients still energizes me each time I see him. His motto continues to be, "teamwork makes the dream work". This is more than words: he lives this through his actions.
Many articles have been written about organizational culture. An organization's culture is much more that its mission statements, values, attitudes, assumptions and beliefs. Culture permeates an organization's behaviors, thought processes and actions. It embodies processes like onboarding, hiring, training, branding, business mapping and even financial reporting. It also impacts signage, publications, employee professionalism, applications, forms and even the way an office looks and "feels".
One of my favorite stories involves a Cherokee grandfather teaching his grandson about life... "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy. "It is a terrible fight, and it is between two wolves. One is evil he is anger, envy, sorrow,

During the last 10 months, a lot of time has been invested in reforming our agency culture. GVRA has faced tremendous change and adversity, but the time has come to shift toward normalcy and stability and focusing on our good habits. There are "good" traits and qualities that that need to be nurtured and developed: dependability, loyalty, honesty, active listening, proactivity, problem solving, reliability, flexibility, passion, accountability, a focus on results, and engagement in the work and the mission. The "bad" traits, however, must be derailed and actively fought on a consistent basis.
Recently, there was a customer satisfaction survey sent out to every GVRA coworker with a valid email account. As the results were revealed, I was pleasantly surprised with the high percentage of staff who indicated their co-workers in the central office believe in the agency mission statement and values. Now, it is time to focus on promoting the positive traits and habits that ensure GVRA's mission statement and values are also an organic part of our attitudes, beliefs, assumptions and actions.

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Tiffany Hudson Promoted
New Role is Asst. Dir. Of Student Employment Services

Tiffany Hudson has accepted the position of Assistant Director of Student Employment Services.
Tiffany joined Roosevelt Warm Springs in 2008, and for over three years she has served as Interim Manager of the Employment Development Services Department. This promotion places Tiffany in a critical leadership role within Roosevelt Warm Springs and GVRA. Tiffany's many talents have been demonstrated through her leadership at Roosevelt Warm Springs and most recently statewide as a member of the Business Process Mapping team.
Tiffany grew up in Meriwether County and was a nationally-recognized basketball player during high school. She graduated

from Georgia State University, and after college she worked as a Behavior Specialist with Georgia Baptist Children's Home. She then joined the Department of Family and Children Services as a Child Protective Service Specialist. Since joining Roosevelt Warm Springs, Tiffany has worked tirelessly to promote student worksite experiences and employment opportunities, as well as building a strong team within her department. Tiffany is currently completing graduate studies in Rehabilitation Counseling at Fort Valley State University.
If you see her, please congratulate Tiffany for her promotion within the organization.

GRA Award Winners
Congratulations to All the Winners

The Georgia Rehabilitation Association recently held its annual conference at Callaway Gardens this year. The event concluded with an awards breakfast.

Chapter of the Year -- East Chapter Janice Black Spirit Award -- Nicki Lamb

The winners appear below. Congratulations to all who won!
Employer of the Year -- Sedexo

GRCEA Counselor of the Year -- Dru Fentem
GARL Continuing Education Grant -- Dana Skelton-Sanders

Service Award -- John Crawford
Personal Achievement Award -- Marquise Lane

Professional Achievement Award -- Karen Lynn Dominy
President's Award -- Keita Alston

Counseling Achievement Award -- Jennifer Gillard
Division of the Year -- GRCEA

Legacy Award -- Wyman Poole
If you see any of the winners, let them know how appreciated they are for their service.

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GVRS Board members and GVRA staff recently met with agency retirees. They'll continue to meet in the future to help shape the direction of GVRA and learn from past successes.
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D.C. Comes to GIB
Rep. Drew Ferguson Recently Toured GIB

Representative Drew Ferguson recently toured the Georgia Industries for the Blind facility in Griffin.
He said that GIB is wise to make efforts to increase the business it does with the private sector, noting that the work the program does with individuals who are blind not only helps the economy at large but also serves a higher purpose.
GIB Co-Director Mike Jackson noted that the organization will go "wherever the business is and wherever the blind people are."
"No matter where you are in our socioeconomic spectrum, having the dignity of work and a purpose in life Is important. It's also important to ensure that every single person is contributing to our national economy," Ferguson said. "So as people gain employment, they are contributing to the restoration of America, and so it is important not only for their own self-worth

but for our broader financial welfare."
GVRA Executive Director Sean T. Casey thanked the Congressman for visiting, saying it was important for D.C. lawmakers to be able to see firsthand the kind of work done at the facility.
"We are pleased to have the Congressman here and honored to have his support as GIB participates in Georgia's economy and the federal economy," Sean said. "GIB's mission is to sell quality products, provide work opportunities, and contribute to the economies of the communities where we have plants like this one, also the one in Bainbridge. Congressman Ferguson recognizes that, and we are pleased to be able to show him around today and share what our coworkers do."

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Sodexo Wins GRA Recognition
The French Company Takes the Top Prize

At the recent Georgia Rehabilitation Association conference, Sodexo, a large multi-national company based in France, took home the award for employer of the year. They've been a great partner of GVRA for more than a year now, working hard to ensure that our clients have well-paying jobs while also ensuring that their workforce has the best employees possible.
For those who are unaware, here are some tidbits about Sodexo:
In North America alone, Sodexo serves more than 15 million consumers at 13,000 client sites. Wherever they work, their dedication to making every day a better day for people and organizations comes from one goal -- to positively improve Quality of Life. Quality of life is central to the performance and growth of individuals and organizations. Working from this perspective, Sodexo has redefined how to best serve their clients' complex needs across the industries they serve: Corporate, Education, Government, Healthcare, Senior Living, Sports and Leisure and Energy & Resources.
Diversity Inc. recognizes Sodexo's Diversity Leadership with a #2 Ranking on the 2014 Top 50 Companies for Diversity List. Sodexo is the only company to rank in the top two on Diversity Inc.'s Top 50 Companies for Diversity list, five consecutive years.
From Cindy Sabin with Sodexo:
"As a responsible employer, we have made of our commitments to employees with disabilities a key part of our Diversity and Inclusion strategy. As such, we are engaged in improving the quality of live of employees with disabilities by providing

them an inclusive and adapted work environment where people with disabilities can thrive and reach their full potential. Creating a more inclusive workplace will make us stronger, more innovative and better at serving our 75 million consumers worldwide every day.
Sodexo is in the second year of our 10-year journey towards our commitment that 100% of our workforce will have access to our programs for people with disabilities by 2025. Participating in the Open-Up initiative will promote awareness and reinforce our intention to drive an inclusive environment for people with disabilities wherever Sodexo operates."
Business Relations Manager Quan Tat with GVRA Employment Services commended Sodexo for its work with GVRA, saying that the partnership will continue to be a book for the agency and its clients.
"To partner with a company like Sodexo will help our agency to explore and to develop across all industries and companies they serve. It will lead to greater opportunities for GVRA clients," he said.

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RWS Direct Entry Video Coming
The Video Will Showcase the Program

GVRA will soon rollout a new video highlighting the Direct Entry program at Roosevelt Warm Springs.
This program offers students the opportunity to take classes without requiring them to stay in on-campus housing, effectively expanding opportunities to more potential students.
At the same time, students may stay in the hotel rooms on campus, as they don't typically need the intensive kind of training and attention that's usually given to the

general student body. RWS Admissions Manager Theresa Williams said the program is special because it can expedite the time it takes students to go from enrollment to career.
"Direct Entry is program specific. It's good because students who don't need all the extras, who just need to come in to learn particular job skills, it means they're put into the workforce a lot quicker."
Look for the video in the coming weeks.

Client Handbook ASL Translation
Working to Maximize Accessibility

The GVRA Office of Communications and Marketing will soon rollout a version of the client handbook that has been translated into American Sign Language.
The video will be released to the public once editing is completed.

GVRA is committed to ensuring that all of its materials is as accessible as possible. All videos on the agency website are available in versions with closed captioning and audio descriptions. They can be viewed at www.gvs.ga.gov.
In addition, an audio version, a largeprint option and a Spanish-language version of the handbook is on the website as well.

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The statewide rollout for the new business processes in Vocational Rehabilitation, titled Navigating the Future of Client Success, took place in four separate sessions. Two of the sessions were held in Augusta during the week of September 11th and the other two sessions were held in Columbus during the week of September 18th. All VR staff were required to attend one session. The new business processes were designed to 1) enable the agency to serve more clients, 2) increase its efficiency and 3) better meet its clients' employment needs. GVRA is excited about the anticipated benefit to its clients as a result of the statewide rollout of these new processes on October 2nd.
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