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Sessions to Recognize Richard E. Marriott,
Dallas Mayor’s Committee for Employment of People with Disabilities recognizes Marriott for efforts to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities in Dallas through Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities “Bridges…School to Work” Program

Washington, Oct 20 -  

On Saturday, October 21, 2006 at the Stars of Texas Salute Gala, U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-Dallas) will recognize Richard E. “Dick” Marriott as he receives the Jack Evans Citizenship Award for his efforts as Chairman of the Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities in bringing the “Bridges…School to Work” employment program for people with disabilities to Dallas. Sessions nominated Marriott for the award, which is presented on behalf of the Dallas Mayor’s Committee for Employment of People with Disabilities.

The Jack Evans Citizenship Award was established by former Dallas Mayor Jack Evans to recognize one individual each year for extraordinary achievement in creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities in Dallas. Richard E. Marriott serves as Chairman of Host Marriott Corporation and the Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities.

“Through Dick Marriott’s leadership, the Marriott Foundation has brought great opportunities to citizens living with disabilities by expanding the Bridges Program,” said Sessions. “This program provides much-needed support and guidance to young people enrolled in special education programs throughout Dallas so that they may put their skills to use, enhancing Dallas businesses and organizations with their talents and skills.”

The “Bridges…School to Work” program was established by the Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities in 1990. In its 16 years, Bridges has already placed more than 8,400 youth with over 1,500 employers in seven metro areas across the country. Working with the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), the Marriott Foundation last year launched the Bridges program in Dallas with the help of a grant from the Pitney Bowes Literacy and Education Fund.

“So many people have been instrumental in this effort to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities here in Dallas,” Sessions remarked. “Mayor Laura Miller, DISD Superintendent Dr. Michael Hinojosa, DISD administrators Meredith Smith and Rosemarie Allen, and Mark Donovan of the Marriott Foundation have each worked tirelessly to ensure the success of Bridges in Dallas.”

According to the Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities, over half of the 250,000 young people that finish special education annually willing and able to work remain unemployed or underemployed due to lack of opportunities. To combat this problem, Bridges provides career guidance and support to youth with disabilities. The Marriott Foundation’s stated goal is to help them achieve successful competitive employment and a viable vocational path. Concurrently, the program offers local employers access to an often-overlooked but valuable source of employees.

To learn more about the Marriott Foundation for People with Disabilities and the “Bridges…School to Work” program, visit http://marriottfoundation.org/foundation/newsDetail.mi?marrArticle=109954.

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