From The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region:
The Arc Maryland has announced the 2016 honorees who make noteworthy contributions in Maryland to the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Movement. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office is a winner of the Employer of the Year award! Awards will be presented at The Arc Maryland’s Annual Convention Luncheon on Friday, May 13, 2016 at The Hotel at Arundel Preserve in Hanover from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
“We are extremely pleased to see the Harford County Sheriff’s Office receive state-wide recognition for employing people with differing abilities,” says CEO of The Arc NCR, Shawn Kros. “We are honored to partner with such a long-standing advocate for our community and our mission!”
In October 1987, The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region (The Arc NCR) had the opportunity to work with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office through a grant-funded program to provide janitorial services. During this same time, Jack Guercio, who was being supported by The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region, was struggling with insecurities and fears because his workshop-style day program closed. Jack always dreamed of working for the police department.
Thirty years later, Jack remains a respected employee, friend and coworker for the Sheriff’s Office. He graduated from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Police Academy, and is included and valued at his place of employment. When you ask the Sheriff’s Office about Jack, they respond, “He’s family.”
Jack was able to support his coworkers and the families of the fallen officers by participating in Deputy Dailey’s services. This act of love allowed him the opportunity to be part of a moment that will never be forgotten. The Arc Northern Chesapeake Region is thankful for the support and protection of our officers as well as their commitment to their community, and for their partnership in providing meaningful employment to those with differing abilities.
To learn more about The Arc NCR’s Vocational Services and how you can include employees with differing abilities in your workforce, visit www.arcncr.org or call 410-836-7177 today.
Great story. Congratulations to Harford County Sheriff Dept. and to Jack Guercio who sounds like a trusted member of the Department.
Thanks to ARC and other similar organizations who help separate “dis” and “abled.”
Because of programs such as the ARC and their coordination with employers like the Sheriffs Office we may one day live in a world we no longer refer to persons as intellectually disabled but instead offer them the reference of inspirationally abled. Congratulations HCSO and the ARC and all the best to you all in the future!!