 Job seekers listen to employers share about open positions and what they are looking for in candidates during the Employer Showcase at the Cleveland Job Fair.
In recognition of October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month, OOD hosted job fairs across the state to connect OOD job seekers with employers, as well as recognize businesses who are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce.
The fifth and final job fair of the month took place at the Independence Holiday Inn on October 30. The event included 39 employers and 159 job seekers. OOD staff were joined by 30 job developers from 13 agencies to support job seekers.
The OOD Employer Partners of Inclusion Awards recognized and honored businesses that hire individuals with disabilities. Businesses recognized are employer partners of OOD, who have hired at least five OOD job seekers during the one-year evaluation period and must meet specific criteria that demonstrates their level of diversity and inclusion practices for individuals with disabilities in the workplace. Employer Partners of Inclusion Awards were presented to Meijer, Aramark, Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, and Giant Eagle.
 OOD Director Kevin Miller presents award to Shannon Keller, Cleveland Market Human Resources Manager and Ken Barclay, Cleveland Market Director, both with Meijer.
 OOD Director Kevin Miller presents award to Jennifer Gosman, Hourly Talent Acquisition Specialist, Aramark.
 OOD Director Kevin Miller presents award to Adrianne Shadd, Senior Workforce Development Professional for Recruitment and Staffing, University Hospitals.
 OOD Director Kevin Miller presents award to Dawn Caraballo, Research Program Manager; Connie Kleckner, Human Resources Generalist; and Carmen Roman, Human Resources Business Partner, all with Cleveland Clinic.
 OOD Director Kevin Miller presents award to Jeremy Shapira, Strategy Manager, Inclusion and Diversity, Giant Eagle.
In addition to being awarded the Champion of Inclusion, Giant Eagle was honored with a proclamation, for being a model employer of diversity and inclusion, from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.
 From left to right: OOD Director Kevin Miller; Jeremy Shapira, Strategy Manager, Inclusion and Diversity, Giant Eagle; John Germaine, OOD Talent Sourcing Coordinator for Giant Eagle; and Kristen Ballinger, OOD Deputy Director of Employer and Innovation Services.
 Darnell Jefferson; Joy Visnjic-Flaherty, Job Developer for York; and Brady Stevens.
Darnell Jefferson, a father of four, attended the job fair to connect with employers in helping organizations. He is finishing his bachelor’s degree in social work. Brady Stevens attended the job fair looking for a position in healthcare. He completed a work experience doing laundry at a nursing home. Both job seekers received support from Joy Visnjic-Flaherty, Job Developer for York, at the job fair. Jefferson said, “Joy is helpful. She is helping me find the best job that I am qualified for.”
Jefferson has been working with Mia Murphy, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. “Darnell was diligent in obtaining his GED, knowing he wanted to attend college,” Murphy said. “He is motivated to get back into the workforce while continuing to further his education.”
Susan Hayes, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, has been assisting Stevens. “Brady is an amazing young man and an absolute joy to be around. He recently completed a community-based assessment, and he is now in job search,” Hayes said. “Any employer would be lucky to have him.”
 Team members from Advance Auto Parts, pictured left to right: Rae Winters, General Manager; Cynthia Graham, Senior Human Resources Manager; Mike Benner, General Manager; Jeninne Turner, General Manager; and Akeem Herbert, District Manager.
These team members with Advance Auto Parts were excited to participate in their first job fair with OOD. “We are fostering a work environment in our company that cherishes everyone’s talents in the communities we serve,” said Akeem Herbert, District Manager. “We are here today because we embrace diversity and inclusivity as part of our core values. We look forward to building our partnership with OOD and those with disabilities in the Cleveland area. We aim to recruit talent and drive our business and community forward,” he added.
Cynthia Graham, Senior Human Resources Manager, said, “There is work for everyone. Whether you are highly skilled or not, there is a place for you at our company.”
 Traci Conkling, Northeast Area Manager (left) and Michael Hoag, Business Relations Specialist, both with OOD.
 Senator Matt Dolan (24th Ohio Senate District) and OOD Director Kevin Miller.
 Samantha Meissner with Cogsworth, who she trained and had placed as a behavior disruption service dog.
Samantha grew up believing that she was different from everyone else. She was bullied at school. At age 17, she began receiving services from Jean Jones, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Today, Samantha is a thriving third-year student at Wright State University and secretary of 4 Paws for Ability WSU.
“It’s okay – it’s better to be different,” Meissner said. “Who wants a basic somebody?” Tune into episode 7 of OOD Works - the Podcast, to learn more about Meissner’s journey.
Part two of the podcast features Kapila Rodrigo, Program Administrator of Ohio College2Careers.
Find the episode now wherever you listen to podcasts by searching "OOD Works." Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.
 “In the military, I had to overcome my fears and learned to just go for it.”
That’s how Daniel Lazzari from Canton describes what he took away from his three years of service as a Communications Specialist in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment Taskforce in the U.S. Army.
Lazzari’s bravery would be essential to the battle he would fight after being discharged from service: recovery from addiction.
Now, Daniel is in recovery and proud of the life he has built, but that was not the case when he was in the midst of his addiction. “My addiction began slowly after being discharged from the military and spiraled out of control,” said Lazzari.
After several attempts at treatment, it was at The Lenzy Family Institute where Lazzari said he learned the realities of his choices and made the commitment to his recovery for good. It’s also where he was connected with Virgil Russell, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. Russell helped put Lazzari on a path back to employment, helping him with his resume, clothing, shoes, and a bus pass to get back to work.
“Danny’s intense commitment not only to his treatment, but also to the job search process, has paid off for him in so many ways, and I couldn’t be happier for him,” said Russell.
Lazzari received his forklift operator certification through Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland & East Central Ohio, and he was able to find full-time employment at a local processing plant.
What’s a typical day like for Lazzari? “I wake up at 5:00 a.m., and catch the bus. I inspect the products we sell, check the packaging, and make sure my area is operating safely with quality in mind,” he said.
When asked what advice he would give to someone struggling with addiction, he wants people to know that opportunities are available for recovery, but reaching out for help is the first step.
The future is something that Lazarri is looking forward to now. With two years and two months of sobriety under his belt, he said “I have regained the trust of my family and am now closer than ever with them thanks to all of the success in rebuilding my life.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, visit www.emeraldjennyfoundation.org to find support services. To get started with OOD, visit www.oodworks.com or call 800-282-4536.
 Jason served our country from 1996-1999 as a member of the United States Army, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. During his years of service, Jason was a heavy equipment operator, responsible for operating tractor-trailers, a D-5 Caterpillar Bulldozer, a dump truck, a road grader, a bucket loader, and a water distributor. Jason was also “airborne,” meaning he was trained to jump from airplanes and helicopters.
Following his service, Jason was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and began to struggle with alcohol. He worked at several different jobs but did not land on one that was a good fit. When Jason met with Jennifer Pollard, OOD Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, he was living with his dad, had no income, and was about to lose his truck.
Jason and Pollard worked together to explore career options. Because Jason previously had a Commercial Driver License (CDL) while in the military, they decided that Jason should move forward with getting another one.
Once in truck driving school, Jason had difficulty affording transportation, requiring him to borrow from others. OOD assisted with transportation costs so that Jason could concentrate on his classes. Jason passed the CDL Class A test on his first attempt.
Pollard arranged for Jason to work with Valaree Lambert, a job developer at Capabilities, Inc. Lambert worked with Jason on developing a resume, obtaining work clothing, and additional training.
Jason received a job offer with a trucking company making more than $20 an hour. Due to a required background check, it was several weeks before Jason could start working. During this time, Jason continued to address his personal challenges. He took a drug and alcohol assessment and completed an eight-hour class.
Once officially hired and working full-time, Jason focused on paying off his debts and staying on track with his recovery.
“When he came to meet me for the first time, I knew Jason was open and honest with me. He was trying very hard to work on his recovery,” said Pollard. “He has continuously worked on establishing positive supports for himself and has worked hard throughout the process to get where he is today, despite many obstacles. I believe that OOD has given him a second chance through meaningful work that is aiding his recovery and contributing to his success,” Pollard added.
“It was the support I received from Jennifer Pollard, Valaree Lambert, and OOD that has gotten me to where I am today,” said Jason. “I am grateful for the chance they took on me and for helping me to get into truck driving school. I am now at 16 months of sobriety, and I am doing very well at my job. I would like to encourage other veterans, or anyone who would like to work, to go the extra mile and trust the process.”
If you are a veteran with a disability and want to work, visit www.oodworks.com or call 800-282-4536.
Be sure to check out the new RecoveryOhio website! This evolving website pulls statewide resources into one convenient location to better help individuals who are looking for substance use disorder and mental health information. Take a moment to check out the website as well as take the pledge to be stigma-free. Visit www.RecoveryOhio.gov.
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