Employment Center for People with Disabilities Needs Help

Snydersville, Monroe County - James Gower and Steve Hall love going to work everyday. Hall smiled, "I like it. It's fun." They are both employees at Burnley Employment and Rehab Services in Snydersville. Burnley works with manufacturers to provide jobs for people with disabilities.

Allied Services Business and Corporate Development Coordinator Charlotte Wright said, "What we give these people is an opportunity to prove that they are capable. Individuals with disabilities are eager to work."

The workers get a sense of accomplishment and a paycheck to take home. But their future is uncertain. Government funding was cut by about 10% last year and this year the cuts could be even deeper. Wright said, "We already have seen some cuts to our federal and state funding and we anticipate that we will see more."

The community is stepping up to help. Customers at JR's Grill and Salad Bar in East Stroudsburg can ask for a portion of their bill to be donated to Burnley. "That's absolutely fantastic," said Wright.

The employment center is also preparing for its annual "Spring Showers" Dinner Dance Fund Raiser. About 300 people are expected to attend. Wright said, "We've always had great support from the local community."

The April Showers Fund Raiser is April 20^th at Skytop Lodge. Tickets are $125 per person. For more information about the ball visit http://www.allied-services.org/events/burnley-employment-rehab-2012-april-showers-ball/.