Countless people serve our communities each day, but are often overlooked. COVID-19 has made us all better understand the significant role employees play in our everyday lives. We want to give a special shout-out to Will Smith, Assistant Director of Vocational Services who is one of those everyday heroes that embodies what is best about Cape Fear Vocational Services.
During this unprecedented time, Will’s creativity in job development strategies has assisted 26 clients find jobs since March 15th! He also was instrumental in developing a plan for remote new hire training for our Employment Specialists and a Community Inclusion Program that is now implemented throughout the state. “Will demonstrates compassion, integrity, adaptability, and creativity and is one of the best staff I’ve had the pleasure to work with” says Kevin Cook, Regional Director of Vocational Services.
Will was one of our highest performing Employment Specialists. Since becoming the Assistant Director for Forsyth, Surry, Stokes, and Yadkin counties, he has revitalized the service area and developed strong relationships with VR, employers, participants, and staff.
Thank you Will!
The Thomas Baroch Advocacy Award was created by the Spina Bifida Association (SBA) in 2019 to recognize outstanding advocates on the national and/or state level. The award is presented annually to an individual who has had significant and lasting impact on advocacy for research and other policy issues affecting the lives of people with Spina Bifida. This years’ winners are Will Dickey and Meghan Sorensen.
Tom Baroch was known by many as a man who cared about people with Spina Bifida. He was a long-time advocate who worked hard to make sure that the Spina Bifida community’s voices were heard both in the United States and abroad, especially in Guatemala. Before his sudden death in November 2018, he served on the SBA Board of Directors from 2001 to 2004; worked intensively with the SBA of Colorado and the International Federation for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus; attended SBA’s first annual Teal on the Hill advocacy event, writing a reflection on his experience; and was working to help establish a Spina Bifida clinic in Las Vegas, Nevada.In 2018, a scholarship fund was established in his memory to provide adults with Spina Bifida the opportunity to attend Teal on the Hill.
