Martinsville, VA – October 3, 2024 – New College Institute (NCI) is thrilled to announce its receipt of the 2024 Community Partner CHAMPIONS Award for the New River Region from The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). This award recognizes NCI’s outstanding work in supporting individuals with disabilities through impactful employment that fosters independence and skill-building.
“This award is a testament to NCI’s unwavering commitment to serving our community, particularly our senior population and those with disabilities,” stated NCI Executive Director Joe Sumner, “It highlights that we are not only willing to embrace the unfamiliar and challenging, but we are also dedicated to making a real, positive difference in the lives of those we serve.”
The award was presented during a statewide virtual ceremony held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 11:30 AM until 1:00 PM. Donna Martin, local DARS manager who nominated NCI, introduced the award, sharing insights into the strong partnership between DARS and NCI. In his remarks, Mr. Sumner reflected on NCI’s collaborative work with DARS, emphasizing the institute’s role in fostering employment and independence for individuals across the region.
“The Champions initiative at DARS recognizes excellence in the disability employment experience, honoring businesses and industry leaders who hire individuals with disabilities, as well as those entering the workforce,” states DARS Manager Donna Martin. “On October 2, 2024, we proudly presented the DARS Community Partner CHAMPION Award to New College Institute of Martinsville, representing the New River District, for their exceptional support of students’ career exploration and training.”
NCI was also proud to see one of its own, Andrew Guerrero, recognized with a 2024 CHAMPIONS Award for his personal achievements in advancing his employment and independence goals. Andrew was one of a select group of honorees recognized from across Virginia for their remarkable efforts in pursuing meaningful employment and self-sufficiency in 2024.
“Andrew has been such a great participant,” exclaimed DARS Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor Genevieve Cooley. “He is always open to feedback and willing to do whatever necessary to make others have a pleasurable experience. He is willing to learn and has grown so much over the years advocating for himself. Andrew loves his job and loves being able to greet people with a huge smile as they enter New College Institute.”
NCI will partner with DARS to celebrate Andrew’s accomplishments at the November meeting of the Martinsville Area Disability Employment Network (MADEN). This special recognition event will be held on November 14, 2024, at 9:00 AM in the Martin-Lacy Lecture Hall on NCI’s campus.
New College Institute (NCI) began working closely with The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) office in Martinsville in 2023 to support their participants through internships and on-the-job work experiences. NCI has worked with five interns and provided them with work experience in departments such as information technology (IT), facility maintenance, and advanced manufacturing. NCI also hired Andrew Guerrero through DARS’ on-the-job training program as a Customer Service Receptionist.