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Camp Woof: Empowering People with Disabilities in the Workplace
OUR TOWN DEKALB STAFF
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In the first annual celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Tucker dog daycare and boarding Camp Woof was named “Small Employer of the Year” by Georgia's Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE). Camp Woof was honored at the Supported Employment Celebration Awards Virtual Event, “Work Works for Everyone,” on Thursday, October 28, 2021, in an online ceremony and celebration. APSE is a national organization focused exclusively on Employment First to facilitate the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the workplace and community. Camp Woof was recognized because of its consistent and comprehensive commitment to employing people with disabilities.
“We work together as a team, and that means everyone on the Staff works together and inclusively to get the job done,” said Robert Poff, Camp Woof COO and general manager. “Our goal is to be sure all our people clients and dog clients have a safe, happy, and active experience while they are at Camp Woof, and it takes everyone on the team to make that happen.”
Camp Woof is an employment partner with WOW In-Sync, a Tucker-based non-profit providing training and support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism to help them integrate more fully into business and community. WOW has placed several adults with disabilities at Camp Woof, in meaningful jobs that provide career and life development. Camp Woof not only provides an inclusive environment for individuals who want to work, but it also hosts discovery tours for young adults in high school who are learning about work expectations at the WOW in-Sync Pre-Employment Training Site.
“Camp Woof sees potential rather than barriers, empowering people with disabilities to live independent and productive lives,” said Mary Justman, vice president of resources and development, WOW In-Sync. “At WOW, we look for employers who model this philosophy and help power the futures of the individual we support.”
