Bring the Holidays to Life

LifeROOTS has just launched a beautiful new line of holiday cards for the 2011/2012 season.  The cards were designed, created and produced by members of the LifeROOTS program – and showcase the tremendous dedication, commitment and talent of the programs members who are all living with a disability …  and who have found their passion in art.

LifeROOTS Holiday Cards are available in a package of 10 cards priced at $20, and are available as both Christmas cards and New Years cards.  Each card was designed and created by the loving hands, kind heart  and diligent, passionate work of a person living with a disability.

Cards are available to order online at www.liferootsnm.org. In addition, to request an order form, call 505-255-5501. For more information about the 2011/2012 LifeROOTS Holiday Cards, and to view sample cards and designs, visit www.liferootsnm.org.

Celebrate Disabled's Role in Workplace

By Kathleen Holmes Cates / Interim CEO/President, LifeROOTS, Inc as posted in the Albuquerque Journal on October 20, 2011

With October marking the annual celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, our nation’s attention has once again turned toward the important role that people with disabilities can, and should, have in today’s workplace.

The heightened awareness that this designated month brings is an important start in educating the public about the value of hiring people with disabilities; however, the issue of disability employment is something that is not only to be recognized each year in October, but to be recognized by companies and organizations year-round – with more of our local businesses truly recognizing how hiring people with disabilities not only can enhance the lives of people with disabilities, but also can enhance the bottom line of their business.

Hiring people with disabilities makes sense for so many reasons.

First and foremost, supporting a community of people who are an integral part of our community – and giving them the same opportunities as everyone else – is just, simply, the right thing to do. People with disabilities pay taxes, they volunteer in the communities in which they live and, most important, they want to work.

Not only do they want to work, but they do their work exceptionally well – with studies showing that 90 percent of people with disabilities rated average or better on job performance, 98 percent of employees with disabilities rated average or better in work safety … and 86 percent of people with disabilities rated average or better on attendance.

Most successful business owners and managers have realized that diversity in the workplace has increased their visibility, sustainability and economic growth. I am asking business owners and managers not to forget that individuals with disabilities are an intricate part of that diversity.

Most individuals with disabilities can maintain competitive employment with only a few reasonable accommodations from their employer. Some individuals may need more intensive support. There are many not-for-profits that can help supply that support so that the employer can focus on the tasks being accomplished.

When businesses hire people with disabilities, everyone wins.

Businesses tap into a pool of highly motivated, skilled and hardworking employees with the highest quality of workmanship in mind. Company morale goes up – with studies showing that employing people with disabilities has a distinct, positive effect on staff morale. Most important, people with disabilities get the opportunity to not only secure an income, but to foster their independence, gain a vital social network – and feel a true sense of happiness and “belonging” as they work in meaningful, productive jobs within the community.

Let’s continue to raise awareness about the benefits of employing people with disabilities in the months, and years, ahead – and continue to benefit from the skills, talent, and dedication, that people with disabilities can bring to the workplace.

LifeROOTS CEO Interviews with Good Day New Mexico

Kathleen Cates of LifeROOTS explains how her program offers services for kids and adults with special needs.

Rio Rancho Ribbon Cutting on October 13th, 2011

For the past few years, RCI, Inc. has helped people with disabilities in Rio Rancho enhance their lives through our innovative programs and services. Our programs have helped so many in the community -- and now, we are introducing a new name and new look to our organization that will let the community in Rio Rancho know just how we can help people with disabilities reach their true potential. Please join us for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House to celebrate our new name in Rio Rancho: Thursday, October 13th at 4:00 p.m. 1009 Golf Course Road, Suites 105-106, Rio Rancho, NM RSVP to Jon Chavez at 505.255.5501 x1009 Join with local politicians, the Rio Rancho Chamber of Commerce -- and the Rio Rancho Community -- as together we celebrate how LifeROOTS will continue to enhance the lives of people with disabilities through our unique programs and services. Tour LifeROOTS and learn about our programs, services and unique facility here in Rio Rancho ... while learning more about how LifeROOTS changes lives!

New Mexico's Ticket to Work Job Fair

On November 1st from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Marriott Pyramid, 5151 San Francisco Road NE, LifeROOTS will be participating in the second annual Ticket to Work Job Fair. LifeROOTS will be presenting as a Ticket to Work Employment Network, Service Provider and as an Employer.  This job fair is for all Ticket to Work Beneficiaries and all other individuals with disabilities who desire to work.  If you are an employer or know of employers who would like to have a booth at the Job Fair, the space is going to be offered free of charge, with a continental breakfast and buffet lunch. If interested in this wonderful marketing opportunity please contact Connie Elsberry at LifeROOTS, 505-255-5501 to reserve your space.



ATTENTION SOCIAL SECURITY TICKET TO WORK HOLDERS:

This job fair is for you!!! Tuesday, November 1st, from 10am to 3pm,

Marriott Pyramid @ 5151 San Francisco Road, NE 

at Journal Center, located off Jefferson Street, NE New Mexico is once again holding its job fair for Ticket to Work beneficiaries and all people with disabilities and other barriers to employment

Things you need to know:

• You don’t need to bring your actual Ticket to Work to the fair
• Dress for success – see reverse side for “how to succeed at a job fair”
• Bring plenty of resumes, writing instruments
• Be ready and prepared to be interviewed on the spot
• There will be people to assist you, answer questions
• If you need any special accommodations, call Andrea @ 505-508-5292 or by email @ aceterajines@transcen.org
• Job seekers can enter at either the Jefferson Street or San Francisco Road entrances
• If you need an accessible entrance, use the San Francisco Street entrance
• The #140 bus stops at Jefferson and San Francisco.  There’s also the #551 Paseo del Norte Express, with very limited service
• If you choose to take the Rail Runner, your stop is the Los Ranchos/Jefferson stop.  There is a shuttle that will take you to Jefferson and San Francisco Streets
• When you arrive at the Job Fair, please stop at the registration desk first before meeting with employers
• JOB SEEKERS TAKE NOTE:  at registration, sign up for “5 minute” individual workshops on how best to present yourself to employers
• There are two Social Security benefits planning workshops running concurrently with the Job Fair, one starting at 10am, another at 1pm
• This is your day, your chance to meet face to face with employers who are anxious to hear about your skills, experience and training
• Have fun!

HOW TO ACE A JOB FAIR – for job seekers and/or their job counselors
FIRST IMPRESSIONS SETS THE STAGE to DISTINGUISH YOURSELF and STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD, BE REMEMBERED

• Dress & Appearance –
• conservative, dark & neutral colors; khaki or black pants or skirt, a no logo collared shirt, dark, clean shoes.  Neatness, ironed and clean counts
• minimal jewelry, keep it small.  YOU want to be remember, not your accessories
• no perfume or cologne, none
• clean, styled hair, no caps, hats, etc.
• minimal make-up, natural colors & look
• cleaned & trimmed nails, neutral colors, no designs
• when possible, no visible body piercings or tattoos
• stand up straight
• Hand Shake – firm & dry
• Eye Contact – make it, keep it
• Smile
• Practice the above
• Positive & friendly attitude, respect and consideration for EVERYONE
• Have your resumes in a folder to keep them neat, clean and unwrinkled.  If you don’t have a folder, ask at the registration table.  We will provide you with one.
• Write down what you will say when introducing yourself, say it over and over again, practice, practice, practice
• Practice introducing yourself, name, the job you are interested in, a brief script on your abilities and skills
• Be prepared with answers for standard questions
• Tell me about yourself
• Why do you want to work here
• Why should we hire you
• Be prepared to ask questions
• What types of jobs are you hiring for
• What are the most important skills and experiences needed to perform the job
• Based on my experience/skills, what positions do you think I qualify for
• What is the hiring process and time frame
• Who should I follow up with
• Can I have your card or contact information
•  Don’t overstay your welcome
• Keep it brief, there are others waiting to meet with this employer, & you have other employers you need to see
• Shake hand and thank them for their time and interest
•  Practice and rehearse  the above

FOLLOW UP- you should follow up with those employers who you have an interest

• Send thank you letter, card or email
• Before leaving the Job Fair, stop at the registration desk for thank you cards, sample thank you letters and assistance
• Include your skills & experiences and how they fit what the company is looking for
• Mention of something you discussed
• Use spell check & your eyes, proof several times
• Wait patiently for the next step – interview, job offer, etc.

GOOD LUCK!!!