L to R: David Dwyer, Dan Dzengelewski, Mike Murtha
(Auburn, Maine) – Work Opportunities Unlimited is pleased to announce that Dan Dzengelewski of Lewiston, Maine, is the recipient of the prestigious Frank Loughran Award. The award recognizes excellence in Supported Employment and is given each year to an individual who has exhibited creativity in job development for people with disabilities, and a commitment to fostering natural supports in the workplace.
Founded upon the principle that all people can work, Work Opportunities Unlimited is a community-based, employment service provider specializing in placing people with disabilities in competitive, integrated work environments. As a Career Resource Specialist, Dzengelewski dedicates his days to breaking down the barriers to meaningful employment for people with disabilities by helping them prepare for the workplace and supporting them while on the job.
“I nominated Dan for the Frank Loughran Award due to his extraordinary commitment to each individual he serves,” says Mike Murtha, Director of Work Opportunities Unlimited in Auburn. “During this past year, he placed another 28 individuals into jobs he developed, that matched their work goals, and he established great working relationships with over 60 employers in the process. Dan has become one of my team’s most trusted experts on creative job development, job matching, natural supports development and job retention strategies. He is changing people’s lives for the better through his individualized approach. I have truly come to rely on his leadership and consultation in business development matters and I’m proud to have him as a member of our team.”
“I have a hard time being recognized for anything,” says Dzengelewski. “I never really think about what I’m doing. I just think about the clients I work with and how I can help them succeed. The way I see it, everyone deserves an opportunity and a chance to reach their potential. If I can make that happen for someone with a barrier to employment, I’m going to do it. I like to help people and just seeing what my clients can accomplish brings a smile to my face. It’s a good feeling but I’m always thinking who else needs help, who’s next, let’s keep this going.”
“Dan truly wants to help the community – both the employers and employees. He’s “all in” in terms of getting a success,” says Murtha. “This is not the kind of job where you can coast. There are so many moving parts, and a big part of the story is Danny. He so believes in this process to get the right outcome – one person at a time.”
About Work Opportunities Unlimited: With operations throughout the eastern United States, Work Opportunities Unlimited (WOU) is a community-based employment service provider specializing in placing job seekers who experience barriers to employment. The company serves thousands of adults and students annually. In addition to private citizens, WOU provides services to individuals referred by school districts, vocational rehabilitation programs, development disability agencies, Departments of Mental Health, Transitional Assistance, and Children and Families, as well as the U.S. Social Security Administration through the Ticket to Work program. For information, visit www.workopportunities.net.
