Operation ABLE is now an affiliated company and member agency of Spectrum Human Services, Inc.  The agreement took effect on September 1.

 Operation ABLE remains a non-profit organization, retains its name, programs and services, but operates under the umbrella of Spectrum Human Services.  Each organization retains its own non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

Roger Swaninger, President and CEO of Spectrum Human Services, Inc., noted "We are pleased to provide a framework in which the important work of Operation ABLE can continue, while adding new components to the growing range of services offered by Spectrum Human Services and its affiliated companies.  In today’s world, non-profit organizations, like for profit businesses, are realizing that when resources are shared, more can be accomplished.”

Marilyn Graham, the newly elected Board Chair of Operation ABLE expressed the excitement of the Board and staff of ABLE regarding the new alliance.  “We know that as a part of a larger organization we will be able to provide more services in the community for unemployed mid-career and older adults.  We share with Spectrum Human Services a commitment to having a positive impact on the region during these challenging times.” 

Operation ABLE will continue to operate from its mid-town Detroit location on Woodward
 

• Marilyn Graham - Board Chair
• John Drew (Kelly Services) - Vice-Chair
• Lena Barkley (CVS/ pharmacy) - Secretary
• Richard R. Sorensen (US Health Holdings, Ltd) - Treasurer
• Edith Eisenmann (Henry Ford Health System)

• Marvin Haupt (Edgecore Financial)

• Therese M. Peace (T M Peace & Associates

• Roger Swaninger (President, Spectrum Human Services and Affiliated Companies, ex-officio board member)

Said Mary McDougall, the agency's Executive Director, "We really appreciate the personal commitment of these leaders to ABLE's mission and their willingness  to serve on our board."
 

The luncheon, a memorable and heartwarming event hosted by Michigan's leading provider of job training and employment assistance for mid-career and older workers, will be held at the Hyatt Regency Dearborn from noon to 2 p.m.

"This celebration is a very positive way for employers to honor older workers who make a daily difference at their companies through their experience, work ethic and dedication to excellence," said Mary McDougall, executive director of Operation ABLE of Michigan.  At recent luncheons upwards of a hundred well-deserving workers have been honored by employers from all sectors of the business community, including manufacturing, construction, retail, service, health care, banking, finance, and the nonprofit arena.

Each year approximately 100 mature workers are honored and 500 guests attend the award luncheon, an indication of the value of the celebration.

THE AWARDS & NOMINATIONS
The easiest way to nominate an employee is to use the attached Nomination Form or download it from ABLE's web site at www.OperationABLE.org and return it by e-mail as an attachment.

The form can also be requested by calling ABLE at 1-800-922-HIRE.

Every employee who is nominated will receive a Certificate of Out-standing Service at the luncheon.  A summary of his/her accomplishments will appear in the program booklet and a photo will be included in the slide show that is a memorable feature of the event.

A panel of human resource and workforce development professionals will select nine nominees to receive Most ABLE Awards, which are presented at the podium by luncheon emcee Carman Harlan, WDIV Local 4 senior anchor.

The judges use, in part, these criteria in selecting nominees for the Most ABLE awards:

The nominee

• exemplifies a positive work ethic
• contributes in a special way to the goals of the employer
• makes a special contribution to the well being of others through work and/or in the community
• developed a specialized skill or works in a difficult situation
• acts as a positive role model for other employees
• overcame difficulties to achieve present success

If you would like your honoree to be considered for one of the Most ABLE Awards, be sure to include on the Nomination Form as much information as you can that will show the judges why he or she is so outstanding.

To be considered for a Most ABLE Award, the nomination form must be returned by November 19.

NEAL SHINE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
A special feature of each year's luncheon is the presentation of the Neal Shine Lifetime Achievement Award.  The recipient of this year's award will be announced in the coming weeks.