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Mentoring Connection
Milwaukee Business Journal 1/16/04

The AbilITy Connection program operated by Goodwill Industries in Milwaukee has a value not only to the individuals it serves, but the business community as well, according to Mike Jones. It's creating a pool of talent we didn't have before, said Jones, who is an executive vice president and chief information officer at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa. Jones is also a board member of the AbilITy Connection program, something he’s been involved in for the past seven years. We're taking individuals, who through no fault of their own, need help in making a career change and providing that help, Jones said.

Specifically, AbilITy Connection matches disabled people interested in a career in information technology with volunteer mentors from the business community. About 50 businesses from around the metro area are involved in the program, providing support through funding and with mentors, said Renee Meyers, the program's director. It's a neat program. It's very specialized and we push it as a mentoring program that business people can get involved in, Meyers said. AbilITy Connection started in 1996, evolving from a similar program started by IBM in 1985, Meyers said. In 2003, 40 students received training in the program. Students must be enrolled in either a two-year or four-year degree program and be referred to the program from the state's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), which also provides funding for the program. Each mentor is charged with providing academic and professional guidance, Jones said. The ideal track for the student is to go from mentoring to an internship to a full-time job, Meyers said.

Right now the program has 30 mentors representing businesses that include Briggs & Stratton Co., Greenbrier & Russell, IBM and US Bank. Jones, who has also volunteered as a mentor, said the program usually has success placing a student in an internship or full-time job. These are productive people who we've had pretty good success with, he said. AbilITy Connection is always looking for volunteers and businesses interested in getting involved in the program, Meyers said. A breakfast event aimed at introducing the program to the business community is planned for March 25, 2004, she said. For more information, call 414-353-6400 ext. 236 or visit www.abilityconnection.org.

- Phill Trewy