(PRESS RELEASE) VIENNA, VA — SourceAmerica, an AbilityOne authorized enterprise that creates employment opportunities for people with disabilities, announced the National Achievement Award winners at its annual Xforce conference in Anaheim, California, on May 24, 2023. ECHO Barkery in Leesburg, Virginia, received the organization’s Innovation Award.
The SourceAmerica Achievement Awards recognizes nonprofits, employees and business partners for their exceptional work ethic, success and leadership in advancing inclusivity for people with disabilities.
These awards highlight success stories in disability employment, especially when approximately 60 percent of working-age people with disabilities do not have jobs.
ECHO Barkery is a nonprofit-owned bakery that makes dog biscuits and employs professionals with disabilities. The award was accepted by General Manager Paul Yuska, who originally conceived the business, and helped bring it from its initial concept to life.
Every Citizen Has Opportunities (ECHO), a nonprofit that offers lifelong support for adults with disabilities, started ECHO Barkery during the COVID-19 pandemic, when nine of its 16 pre-pandemic worksites closed, displacing 71 of its 95 program participants. ECHO Barkery now employs 18 individuals with disabilities and counts Whole Foods stores in the Mid-Atlantic, and 16 other retailers, as customers.
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In addition to baking over 45,000 biscuits of various flavors monthly, the organization retails at fairs and trade shows on weekends.
“People with disabilities bring unique insights and talents to the nation’s workforce,” said Richard Belden, president and chief executive officer at SourceAmerica. “This year’s award winners demonstrate leadership, dedication and the passion to inspire others to work towards a more inclusive workforce. SourceAmerica takes pride in celebrating the achievements of these trailblazers and their efforts toward advancing inclusivity for people with disabilities.”
To view a full list of SourceAmerica’s 2023 Achievement Award Winners, visit their website.
About SourceAmerica
SourceAmerica connects government customers and other organizations to a national network of nonprofit agencies that hire a talented segment of the workforce – people with disabilities. Established in 1974, SourceAmerica is committed to increasing economic and social inclusion and advocating for a more accessible future of work for people with differing abilities. As a leading job creator within the disability community and distinguished as an AbilityOne-authorized enterprise, SourceAmerica harnesses the momentum and boosts the capability of its network and customers. To learn more, visit SourceAmerica.org and follow @SourceAmerica on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
