see Gold Medals from President Biden (click here)

R2W is hosting two celebrations this year.  One in Colorado and another in Florida.  This article focuses on Colorado.

We have within our reach the promise of a renewed America. We can find meaning and reward by serving some higher purpose than ourselves, a shining purpose, the illumination of a Thousand Points of Light. And it is expressed by all who know the irresistible force of a child’s hand, of a friend who stands by you and stays there, a volunteer’s generous gesture, an idea that is simply right.  President George HW Bush

 

By Invitation Only – click here

February 24, 2024
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Mountain
Boulder, CO  80301
720-359-1541

contact page

Refreshments

A small celebration for neighbors and friends

Presenter:
Brigadier General Thomas Mills (retired),
Assistant Adjutant General, US Army National Guard

Special Thanks To
Chris Lites & Debby Wilson

Medals via President’s Volunteer Services Awards

 

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Medals from President Biden

Bronze Medal

• Debora Henderson

Gold Medals 

• Fern Ballou
• Pastor Hosea Cannon Jr.
• Larry Gustafson
• Jay VanderWerff
• Chuck Wright

Lifetime Achievement Award 

• Rob Brazell

Company Award – Gold Medal

• Project:  Return To Work Inc.  (R2W)

 

Chuck Wright has volunteered for multiple positions over the years including key roles for R2W’s large scale Military & Veterans Employment Expos (MVEEs) with the Department of Defense ESGR, Veterans Affairs, Department of Labor, Colorado Department of Labor & Employment, Colorado National Guard, and others.  We typically provided training and placement services over a 3-day period to about 1,000 to 2,000 active-duty military service members and veterans, and 100 to 200 employers.  Chuck currently serves as the Chair of the Mentors Committee on R2W’s Board of Directors.  He leads weekly meetings to coordinate 4 tiers of mentorships ranging from an hour at occasional events to 5-year commitments.  Chuck is a true Point Of Light adding brilliance to our path forward.

 

Debbie Henderson was a close friend of Fran Nixon, R2W Founder, and has volunteered as R2W’s accountant for years.  Thanks to Debbie, R2W has never missed a payroll, and the Board of Directors has always had timely and accurate financial documents for their management decisions.  Debbie and Fern’s church has also hosted several R2W workshops over the years:  First Church of Christ Scientists, Englewood, Florida.  Debbie is a model volunteer whose leadership shines bright in our charitable cause, and we are deeply grateful.

 

Larry Gustafson was a close friend of Fran Nixon, Founder.  He has served as Director and Legal Advisor at R2W for decades and is the principal signature for the company.   He has held multiple offices over the years and currently serves on the Executive Committee as Treasurer.  He has tirelessly volunteered thousands of hours and his shining light has guided us to safe waters again and again. He is an inspiration for our whole community.  Larry is a partner at Baum and Gustafson, PC and provides responsive, creative, and knowledgeable representation on business, tax, and estate matters.  Trusted Business Law Firm Dedicated to Companies and Individuals in Denver, Colorado Since 1979.

 

A HAND UP, NOT A HANDOUT

Pastor Hosea Cannon Jr. was a close friend of Fran Nixon, R2W Founder, and has served in a variety of positions over several years.  He currently serves as R2W’s Chaplain, and Director on the Volunteer Committee.  He also hosts frequent R2W workshops for volunteers and for job seekers at The Greater Faith Worship Center where he is the spiritual leader.  For decades, Pastor Cannon Jr. has also been the Chaplain for the Denver Sheriff Department.  His motto is to give people a hand up, not a handout — a true inspiration for all.

Rob Brazell founded Project:  Return To Work Inc.  (R2W) with his father, mother, sister, and lifetime mentor out of his victories over AIDS.  Rather than returning to his career in aerospace, he dedicated the remainder of his life to helping other disabled Americans back to work, back to life.  Like his mother, Fran Nixon, he selflessly volunteered thousands of hours over the decades.  Prior to his Lifetime Achievement Award from President Biden, Rob was given a gold medal from President Obama for his service to the Colorado National Guard and the Department of Defense Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve at their collaborative Military and Veterans Employment Expos (MVEE),

 

Fern Ballou was a close friend of Fran Nixon, R2W Founder and has served both as a paid Chaplain and as a volunteer Director for several years.  Fern and Fran’s church has hosted several R2W Workshops over the years:  First Church of Christ Scientists, Englewood, Florida.  Fern currently serves as the Secretary of R2W’s Board of Directors and is a member of the Executive Committee and the Mentors Committee.  She blasts through the age barrier effortlessly and is the cohesion for our charity.  Her tirelessly commitment makes a meaningful difference.  A lasting impact.

Shine on, Fern!

 

Return to Work Day of Caring Recruiting Event | FOX31 Denver (kdvr.com)

 

2023 Employee of the Year

Nikki has performed above and beyond for nearly a decade and is the main force behind Project:  Return To Work Inc.  (R2W).  Hundreds of clients will remember her for the rest of their lives.  She helped many not only get back to work but to stay on the job.  Lasting employment – the positive outcomes that we’re in business for.  Nikki is one of our nation’s brightest lights.

 

“Gayleen Pratt donated underlying technologies that have given R2W a competitive advantage for many years.  She is from New Zealand and not eligible for a Presidential medal but deserves all the respect we can muster.  She is a brilliant light illuminating a loving spirit around the world, and I am deeply grateful.”  Rob Brazell, Founder, Project:  Return To Work Inc.  (R2W)

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Previous Medals from Presidents Trump & Obama

 

Octogenarian Earns Lifetime Achievement Award

Fran Nixon remembered, helped 18,000 find work

Check back for uplifting stories about more winners!

 

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ABOUT PROJECT:  RETURN TO WORK INC.  (R2W)

Back To Work, Back To Life

We All Serve

 

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About The President’s Volunteer Services Awards

Wikipedia:

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a civil award bestowed by the President of the United States. Established by executive order by George W. Bush, the award was established to honor volunteers that give hundreds of hours per year helping others through the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. The award can be granted to individuals, families and organizations located throughout the United States. Depending on the amount of service hours completed, individuals can receive the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and/or the President’s Call to Service Award (also referred to the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award).^[1] The Call to Service Award is the most prestigious, and it has been awarded to few Americans to recognize over 4,000 hours of extraordinary service including notable honorees such as S. Truett Cathy, Mark Carman, and Zach Bonner. Awardees may receive a personalized certificate, an official pin, medallion, and/or a congratulatory letter from the President depending on the award earned.

…

The President’s Volunteer Service Award is now an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Points of Light Institute.^[2]

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About Points Of Light 

 

Wikipedia:

Points of Light is an international nonprofit, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Georgia, United States dedicated to engaging more people and resources in solving serious social problems through voluntary service.

Each year, Points of Light mobilizes millions of people through affiliates in approximately 250 cities and partnerships with thousands of nonprofits and companies.^[1]

History

Points of Light was formed in 2007 by the merger of the Points of Light Foundation and Hands On Network. Encouraged by major donors and affiliates, the two organizations merged with the goal of strengthening volunteerism, streamlining costs and services and deepening impact.^[2]

The Points of Light Foundation was created in 1990 as a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C. to promote the spirit of volunteerism described by U.S. President George H. W. Bush in his 1989 inaugural address,^[3] “I have spoken of a thousand points of light, of all the community organizations that are spread like stars throughout the Nation, doing good.”^[4]

President Bush used the “thousand points of light” theme frequently,^[3] including in his 1991 State of the Union address in which he said:

We have within our reach the promise of a renewed America. We can find meaning and reward by serving some higher purpose than ourselves, a shining purpose, the illumination of a Thousand Points of Light. And it is expressed by all who know the irresistible force of a child’s hand, of a friend who stands by you and stays there, a volunteer’s generous gesture, an idea that is simply right.^[5]

In 1991 the National Volunteer Center, which had begun in 1970 as the National Center for Voluntary Action, was merged into it. The merged organization also became known during the 2000s as the Points of Light Foundation and Volunteer Center National Network.

The Foundation and its expanded network acted as community hubs to connect volunteers to opportunities, work with local nonprofits and businesses to establish and improve volunteer programs, and, overall, bolster the local infrastructure for the volunteering community.^[3]

The Points of Light Foundation received an annual allocation from the Corporation for National and Community Service to manage some of that agency’s programs, and administered the President’s Volunteer Service Award program, which was created by President George W. Bush in 2003. The group also sponsored conferences, offered training and other assistance to its network of volunteer centers, and recognized volunteers through a Daily Point of Light award.^[3]

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By

Nikki DAgostino, CESP, R2W Career Counselor

 

The United States Department of Labor defines barriers to employment as ‘any conditions that may make employment difficult.’ Barriers can especially affect individuals with disabilities, who already may have a lack of resources available.

Some of the most common employment barriers include transportation barriers and criminal record barriers. These barriers can inhibit a person’s ability to keep and maintain employment.

When seeking employment, either by oneself or with the assistance of an employment program, it is important to assess potential barriers and come up with a game plan on how to overcome them. While not all barriers can fully be overcome, many can, and there are many techniques, resources, and methods that can be implemented to mitigate the overall impact of the barrier.

For example, when someone lacks transportation resources when searching for employment, they can utilize several methods to overcome the barrier. First, they can utilize Google Maps to determine what local employers may be within walking or biking distance of their residence. They can research state and county public transportation options, including disability door to door services for qualified individuals with disabilities. Networking, including utilizing resources through friends, family members, local non-profits, and carpooling groups can also be an excellent option. Lastly, rideshare services can also be utilized, when necessary, but proper budgeting and planning should be implemented.

Having a criminal background can also be a difficult barrier to overcome, particularly for individuals with prior felony convictions or convictions that include violence or theft. Employers do reserve the right to make hiring decisions based on prior convictions and can legally decline employment based on background check information. It is important when an individual has a criminal record to be upfront and truthful about the record – particularly if the employer indicates their intention to run a background check. By being forthcoming and truthful about what will come up on the background check, it can help open up a dialogue with management, where exceptions and accommodations can be made.

It is also extremely important to review the background check authorization paperwork as well. Some employers will only run a 7-year background check, or a 10-year background check. If the paperwork specifically indicates “have you had any convictions within the last 7 years” and your conviction was eight years ago, then it is perfectly acceptable to indicate ‘no’ on that paperwork.

In addition, many companies are taking initiatives to be more inclusive for individuals with backgrounds to help reintegrate previous offenders back into the workforce. There are many online resources available for offenders, including sources that specify different employers’ policies and hiring practices when it comes to individuals with criminal records. In addition, the construction fields, restaurant / culinary fields, and self-employment fields have always been great career fields for individuals to enter who may have more difficult criminal convictions.

Overall, with the proper preparation, acknowledgment, and guidance, one can learn to overcome a variety of barriers and attain successful employment outcomes.

 

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By ELAINE ALLEN-EMRICH Community News Editor
Sun News

Updated Jun 20, 2020

ENGLEWOOD, FLORIDA— Jenna Lonsdale didn’t let her disability define her. She proudly worked at Nielsen Market Research Company in Venice. She did great there until she lost her job when the office closed.

The 28-year-old Englewood resident was one of 396 workers laid off in April. In five years, she had only missed one day of work. She was told to file for unemployment. There were several setbacks for Lonsdale. She doesn’t drive and there’s no public transportation from her neighborhood to areas where she could apply for work at area pet stores, day care centers or libraries.

“The problem is unemployment tells you to apply for five jobs a week,” she said. “It’s very hard to do when you don’t drive.”

Another challenge with her disability is she fidgets when she’s nervous and believes it sometimes doesn’t make for a good first impression. A little frustrated, Lonsdale needed help but wasn’t sure where to turn.

Her life changed after learning about the Return To Work program in Punta Gorda. It helps job seekers engage with employers. It also matches client interests, abilities and aptitudes that helps get them a long-lasting job they enjoy and find rewarding.

It’s where she met Fran Nixon, the Missions Operations Manager, and her team. They worked to help Lonsdale connect with local employers and transition back to work.

In time, Lonsdale had the training she needed to go to work at a preschool a short distance from her home.

Lonsdale recently shared her testimony as an honored guest at a special awards ceremony for Nixon at Boca Royale Golf & Country Club in Englewood.

Nixon was bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Award signed by President Donald Trump.

The Charlotte County resident, who is in her 80s, was lauded for volunteering more than 1,000 hours in a year and given a gold medal and 4,000 accumulative hours.

Nixon, who helped her own son Rob Brazell, found Return To Work 20 years ago in Colorado, is considered a “tough as nails, but always a lady.”

Nixon expanded the program in Florida and managed the contract with Florida’s Vocational Rehabilitation agency. She also provided services to newly enabled job seekers, a job that caused her to travel statewide to meet them and their families and the employers. She periodically attends White House teleconferences, advocates the Return To Work program throughout the region and recruits new applicants, works with mentors and other volunteers in the Service Learning Internship mission.

“Part of Mom’s daily task is to pray for Return To Work clients and all of the people that it touches,” Brazell said.

Brazell told the crowd his mother exceeded the requirements for the President’s Volunteer Service award. She was given an official pin, medallion and a framed certificate. The award is an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service and administered through the Points of Light organization. It celebrates the impact people can make in their community and the world.

Nixon credits her success in helping touch the lives of 8,500 applicants and others throughout the year to God. She is a member of the First Church of Christ Scientists in Englewood and the mother church in Boston.

“We have a very diverse organization with no limits to make a difference for abled to disabled clients,” she said. “We work with a hodgepodge of people who will fit in regardless of their background. It takes a nation to help.”

Nixon said she had to learn the software for the system. With the help of Brazell, she said, it made a difference in advancing their program and even more people find jobs.

Nixon shared several success stories. She also thanked Nikki D’Agostino, the client services specialist at Return to Work for her drive in positive outcomes and lasting placements for local employees. She also thanked her son and close friends who never let her down. She said local companies including Weiler Engineering Corp. in Punta Gorda and several others have been instrumental in helping provide meaningful jobs to Return to Work clients.

Shortly after meeting Hosea Cannon, a pastor and chaplain at the Denver Sheriff’s Department, Nixon joked she loved him and wanted to adopt him as her own. Cannon flew in to give an inspirational speech at Nixon’s ceremony.

Cannon reinforced Nixon’s lifelong choices in helping others. He explained there’s simple keys to success in life.

“God is in control,” he said. “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Appreciate your family and learn to love them. Forgive immediately your sister, mother, brother. Focus on what’s good. Be kind.Volunteer often. Look down on others to only help them up. Love your neighbors as you love yourself.”

For more information about Nixon’s program, visit www.return2work.org.

 

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