Michele Ford Receives NJBIZ’s 2022 ICON Award
Green Brook resident Michele Ford, President & CEO of Inroads to Opportunities, was recently honored with the NJBIZ’s 2022 ICON Award. Inroads to Opportunities is NJ based non-profit human services agency that provides programs and services to individuals with disabilities ranging in age from 16 to retirement.
NJBIZ’s ICON Awards are given to New Jersey leaders over the age of 60, who have made major contributions to their designated field as well as their significant impact on the state’s larger business community.
For over 35 years, Michele Ford has dedicated her life to serving the needs of individuals with disabilities. A life-long advocate, Michele has been a champion for this most vulnerable population by serving on Union County Non-Profit Consortium, UC Crisis Consortium and most recently addressing members of the US Commission on Civil Rights in Washington, D.C. to raise awareness of choice in defense of employment options for individuals with disabilities.
According to Ford, “I hope this award is another way to bring true recognition to the important work being done in the rehabilitation field to provide New jersey Employers with a diverse, qualified and enthusiastic work force. I am extremely honored and accept this award in recognition of Inroads to Opportunities and the amazing team I work with every day to prepare individuals with disabilities for independence and employment.”
With over 35 years of experience, Ford has made a tremendous impact on the lives of employees and participants in the Inroads to Opportunities program. Demonstrating selflessness and compassion, Ford has dedicated her life to support individuals with disabilities.
Within the last year, Ford has been recognized by The Union County Board of Commissioners with the Shero Award as well as receiving the ‘Inventive Leader in Adult Services, Courage and Compassion Award’ presented by the NJ Association of Mental Health & Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA).
ABOUT INROADS TO OPPORTUNITIES:
Since 1959, Inroads to Opportunities, formerly the Occupational Center of Union County, has provided programs and services to over 400 individuals each year with all types of disabilities and ranging in age from 16 through retirement. Programs and services include vocational preparation, transition from school to work, job placement and mental health services.
Inroads to Opportunities is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), an approved provider of the NJ Department of Labor, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and Commission of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Inroads is licensed by the State of New Jersey Department of Human Resources, NJ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services to provide partial care and Division of Developmental Disabilities to provide Day Habilitation Services. Inroads is an approved Medicaid provider and an approved Employment Network under the Ticket to Work Social Security initiative.
