SourceAmerica®, an AbilityOne® authorized enterprise that creates employment opportunities for people with disabilities, announced the winners of its national achievement awards at its annual Xforce Conference in Orlando, Florida on May 8, 2024.
The SourceAmerica achievement awards recognize nonprofits, employees and business partners for their exceptional work ethic, success and leadership in advancing inclusion for people with disabilities in the workforce. These awards highlight successes in disability employment, especially when approximately 63 percent of working age people with disabilities do not have jobs.
“SourceAmerica is dedicated to creating opportunities for inclusive and diverse work environments where every individual has the opportunity to thrive,” said Richard Belden, SourceAmerica president and chief executive officer in a press release. “These awards serve as a testament to the incredible contributions of people with disabilities, breaking barriers and proving that diversity is a key driver of success.”
Stacey Buckner is the recipient of the Tom Miller Advocacy Award, which recognizes an employee with a disability who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and remarkable passion for self-advocacy on a local, state or national level. After suffering a stroke and traumatic brain injury in 2008, Buckner faced a long and difficult recovery. She worked with ServiceSource to secure employment within the AbilityOne Program at Fayetteville Veterans Affairs Medical Center. There, Buckner took a deeper interest in the needs of homeless veterans. Through partnering with ServiceSource, Buckner has launched several nonprofits focused on the mental and physical health of local Fayetteville veterans, including Off-Road Outreach, a program that provides showers, laundry, clothing and meals; Veggies for Vets, a fresh food
program serving more than 50 Veterans weekly; and the Big Tiny Project, a planned tiny home community granting up to 180 days of free transitional housing to homeless and at-risk Veterans in Fayetteville.
Buckner will also be appearing as a panelist at the Greater Fayetteville Business Journal’s upcoming Power Breakfast event being held on June 18 at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. Titled “Big Challenges,” guests will hear from local organization and business leaders -like Buckner- about how businesses can help with BIG Challenges like crime, homelessness and the opioid crisis.
Learn more about Buckner’s background here and order your tickets to the Power Breakfast here.
This is the fourth year that ETI has hosted the event, and in years past Freeman has seen a host of innovative technology, including various drone types and programming, robotic dogs, 3D printed houses, and airspace scanners. Photo provided by USSOCO
Crystal McLean (left) with Scott Embry (right). Money Box Academy received a $10,000 grant from United Way of Cumberland County’s Youth Growth Stock Trust. Photos provided by Crystal McLean.The Youth Growth Stock Trust Committee, administered by the
What started as a seasonal corn maze has evolved into a year-round operation. The spring, summer and autumn seasons all bring unique activities for families. Photos provided by Tammy Peterson.Hubb’s Farm is a premier agritourism destination located i
