The Allen Speiser Memorial Vocational Rehabilitation Fund awarded $4,388 to local nonprofit projects meeting a vocational need for individuals with disabilities. The Speiser Fund is a component of the Central New York Community Foundation.
AccessCNY received $1,763 to increase the hours and responsibilities of trainees in its workforce program at Provisions Bakery and Restaurant, which helps people with disabilities find and maintain gainful employment.
Clear Path for Veterans received $2,000 to provide transportation for Veterans in its Warriors Working Program to job interviews, their places of employment and any other workforce needs that they may have.
Fulton Public Library received $625 to purchase new technology software for its staff and workforce development program participants with visual impairments.
In 2001, the C.I.G.S. Foundation board of directors chose to direct assets to the Community Foundation to establish a fund to promote the vocational, educational, health, and social needs of people with disabilities subject to social barriers. The fund is named in honor of Dr. Allen Speiser, the first director of Consolidated Industries, a sheltered workshop program for people with disabilities.
