A collaboration of representatives from business, state and social service agencies who are committed to empowering our local community, held its third annual CAN-WORK Fair at White's Restaurant on April 12, 2007. Agencies including MY TURN Inc., the Department of Mental Health, the Social Security Administration, People Inc., the May Institute, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, the Bristol County Career Centers, the Southeast Center for Independent Living, the New Bedford Career Center; Sousa and De Mayo, and Rex Cut Products participated in the four-hour event. The CAN-WORK Resource Fair targets area businesses as well as transition age youth and adults who are interested in employment. It is designed to give the public an easy, direct opportunity to connect with the myriad of information and services that can successfully impact the employment of people with disabilities. For more information, contact Dan Pritchard at 508-235-7200.
 

(Top row, center) Liza Tobloka of the New Bedford Career Center talks with David Sykes of the Corrigan Mental Health Center at the raffle table. (Top row, right) Southcoast Compeer Coordinator Cynthia Farnham talks to fair participants about the opportunities available through the organization that links mental health clients with community volunteers. (Middle row, left) Frank Yentz and Employment Education Unit Leader Ingrid Reimann of Towne House greet conference participants. (Middle row, center) South Attleboro Home Depot Human Resources Manager and panelist Larry Cavolo (center) talks about employers' experience with providing reasonable accommodations to persons with disabilities. (Middle row, right) Community Counseling of Bristol County clubhouse member Stanley Stinson talks about his program's services while member Andy Kucinski listens and Day Rehab program director Linda Cote talks with Southeast Area Department of Mental Health Rehabilitation Director Jeanne Dent in the background. (Bottom row, center) New Bedford Coastline Elder Services staff member Pat Fernandes (left) chats with New Bedford Social Security claims representative Bebra Silvestri (back to camera) while Marilyn Neale and Hanover Work Incentive Coordinator Katherine Harrington (right) listen.