The Barbara Stone Foundation launches UP (Upward Professionals), an employment initiative with Hospitality America and Windsor Aughtry Hotel Group

The Barbara Stone Foundation, a Greenville-based non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families, recently announced a unique pilot program and partnership with Hospitality America and the Windsor Aughtry Hotel Group. The UP Employment program is aimed at developing a world-class workforce initiative for inclusive employment of people with disabilities in the hotel industry.

The UP Employment Initiative will provide employment opportunities to eight individuals with disabilities and one intern through Hospitality America and the Windsor Aughtry Hotel Group in Greenville. The Barbara Stone Foundation will support the program by providing a job liaison who will work with each employee on an individual basis to ensure sustainability and success. The Barbara Stone Foundation job liaison position is currently open.

“The Foundation’s UP Employment Initiative offers a pathway to employment and a common-sense solution to a complicated problem for individuals living with disabilities who need employment opportunities,” said Lara Ceisel, executive director of the Barbara Stone Foundation. “With the right programs and support, more people can thrive in the proper workplace environment. By aligning with two business leaders in this area, the Barbara Stone Foundation is launching a program that will impact Greenville and local citizens for generations to come.”

Elliott Corbin is the first participant in the UP Employment Initiative and revenue analyst intern for Hospitality America. According to Corbin, “Work gives me a purpose, improves my self-esteem and allows me to work toward independence, just like it does for people without a disability. I want others to have the same opportunity for a meaningful job as I do.”

People interested in applying for a position within the UP Employment program should contact Hospitality America at (864) 202-6883. To learn more about the Barbara Stone Foundation UP Employment Initiative, contact Lara Ceisel at [email protected].

About Barbara Stone Foundation

Since 1991, the Barbara Stone Foundation has provided funds to improve the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. The mission of the Barbara Stone Foundation is to raise funds to enhance the quality of life for citizens of Greenville County with developmental disabilities, head and spinal cord injuries, and autism. For more information, visit www.barbarastonefoundation.org.