L to R: Ryan Mountain, Summer Turner, David Dwyer

(Carlisle, PA) On December 13, 2022 Summer Turner, Director in Training for the Harrisburg team, was awarded a Success at Work Award during a team gathering. She was nominated for the award by Salsi Mane, Director for the market. Since 2000, Work Opportunities Unlimited (WOU) has periodically presented this award to honor and recognize team members who have delivered outstanding service to our clients consistent with the company’s core values. Founded upon the principle that all people can work, WOU is a community-based, employment service provider that specializes in placing people with disabilities, and job seekers who experience barriers to employment, in competitive work environments.

During the presentation Salsi indicated that Summer was nominated for the extraordinary contributions she offers her clients and team members each day. Summer commits herself to WOU’s core values, “We believe all people can work,” “We are never satisfied,” and “We build successful, reciprocal relationships,” with professionalism, authenticity, and passion. Although the Pennsylvania service system was new to her and WOU, during her transition to the new market, Summer was able to make her first pre-employment transition services placement within the first month. As a former Team Lead and now Director in Training, Summer assists the team in finding solutions to challenges they encounter in the new market. She leads by example as she motivates and mobilizes the team to secure timely, unique job placements and achieve great outcomes for the clients they serve. In addition, Summer’s ability to build successful, reciprocal relationships not only with our clients and employers, but also with referral sources like the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, is highly impressive and a key reason behind WOU’s success in this new area.

During the award presentation Ryan Mountain presented Summer a certificate which reads:

“For her commitment to our core values, “We believe all people can work,” “We are never satisfied,” and “We build successful, reciprocal relationships.” Summer has led the way in Pennsylvania, which has resulted in WOU’s successful launch in the state. Summer has learned and taught the service system requirements, she has made timely and unique placements, and she has earned the respect of clients, families, coworkers, employers, and referral sources. Summer’s positive attitude, dedication to the clients served, and relentless pursuit of excellence have established her credibility and that of WOU.  She not only performs at a high level with the utmost integrity, but she inspires others to do the same.”