It’s work that may go unnoticed, but a recent report by the Rockefeller Institute of Government credits nonprofit disability service providers in New York for creating nearly 200,000 full-time jobs at a value of more than $14 billion.
“In an environment where we’re all starving to find workers right now, we have individuals who want to work,” Center for Disability Services President and CEO Gregory Sorrentino said. “They just need to be given a chance.”
Operations like the center's Mail Fulfillment Center in Albany give people living with a disability that chance.
What You Need To Know
- Nonprofit disability service providers in New York generate nearly 200,000 full-time jobs, according to a study released by the Rockefeller Institute in Albany
- More than $14 billion are generated across the state by the providers, according to the report
- The report shows the providers are a powerful economic driver in the Capital Region, generating $771 million
“I feel like I’ve actually made it,” CFDS administrative assistant Mike Lizzi said.
Lizzi has worked for the center in some capacity for more than three decades and has been at the fulfillment center since 2014. A car crash early in life left him permanently disabled.
“I started as a front-desk clerk,” he said. “And I’ve gone on to be an administrative assistant.”
Lizzi spends his days ensuring each worker has everything he or she needs to complete their tasks and support management.
“We could be helpful to your industry, and we’re just like everybody else,” he said.
The report shows facilities like this around the Capital Region provide more than 12,000 full-time jobs, and is a powerful economic driver, generating $771 million.
“Every time an individual with a disability goes to work, even if it’s part-time, there is a local economic impact and savings in social programs,” New York State Industries for the Disabled President and CEO Maureen O’Brien said.
State lawmakers and advocates said the report goes a long way in pointing more resources to services and programs for New York’s disabled community.
“Anecdotes are important, but what drives decision-making is data,” said state Sen. John Mannion.
Lizzi’s success story is very much a part of the data.
“This facility here gives a chance to be alive, to make a difference and to make ourselves worthwhile,” he said.