JOBS UNLIMITED HONORS FOUNDER

 BY SHAME MAGEE

MAGEE.SHANE@DAILYGLEANER.COM

24 JUNE 2012

Brad Slauenwhite was committed to inclusion of those with intellectual disabilities and his legacy was marked Thursday night when the organization he founded renamed its office in his honour.

“Brad was a visionary,” said Abdel Belhadjsalah, the executive director Jobs Unlimited, in an interview on Friday.

Jobs Unlimited, a non-profit organization with its office near the intersection of York Street and Priestman Street, was started by Slauenwhite in 1983 as an employment agency for men and women with intellectual disabilities. Slauenwhite has since passed away.

Since it was founded, Jobs Unlimited has helped people with intellectual disabilities to find positions in laboratories, retail outlets, call centres, warehouses, the hospitality industry, manufacturing, printing, and government departments in the area.

About 60 people attended the organization’s annual general meeting on Thursday for a ceremony to rename tHe office on York to the The Slauenwhite Center.

“We wanted to find a way to honour Brad Slauenwhite’s legacy. He planted the seeds we are now reaping and we wanted to do something permanent to recognize his incredible contribution to our city. This is something our organization, especially our dedicated board of directors, has worked hard for,” said Belhadjsalah in a press release.

Members of Slauenwhite’s family were on hand for the event.

“We, his family, are very appreciative of this recognition bestowed in memory of my husband’s contribution,” said Ruth Slauenwhite.

Belhadjsalah said the unveiling of the plaque was emotional for those who attended.

“His work will never be forgotten,” he said.

Belhadjsalah said those with intellectual disabilities are often hidden, but that’s what Slauenwhite actively worked to change — to make them a part of the community.