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A WARM SOUTHERN WELCOME

Lift welcomes Carl Morgan, who began working for Lift at IBM Techline in Atlanta, Georgia as a technical specialist on November 15, 2004. Carl has a BS in Computer Information Systems, experience in software development, and is a community leader. He founded Commemorative R.O.S.E., a nonprofit organization that serves disadvantaged children and youth in Conyers, Georgia.

READY FOR WINTER

A note from Dexter Charles in Maryland:

I purchased my first home this summer, a brand new single garage townhouse, it is so exciting having a home of my own. No more cleaning the snow off the car - yahoo! Professionally, I have gone through the IBM review process and I am now an Accredited IT specialist. This is a big milestone for my IT and IBM career. I have also passed certifications in AIX 5L Installation, Backup and System Recovery, and also the pSeries Enterprise Technical Support exams. With the completion of the AIX 5L Communication exam, which I plan to take before year end, I will become an IBM eServer Certified Advance Technical Expert - pSeries & AIX 5L. Thanks again to LIFT for opening the doors to this world of possibilities.

LIFT WELCOMES A CHAMPION!

Donald Bearden began working for Lift at IBM in San Jose, California on July 12, 2004 as a software engineer. Donald is a recent graduate of San Jose State University where he earned a B.S. in Computer Science. Donald is a member of the Golden State Road Warriors Wheelchair Basketball team, who were National Champions in 2001 and 2004.  Donald is also ranked in the top 25 in tennis in the wheelchair open division in the United States.  Welcome Donald!

A SPECIAL SPECIALIST!

Congratulations to John Dahl, a 1996 graduate of Lift. John, a New York Life Insurance Company employee, received a promotion to Applications Specialist. Way to go, John!

OUT OF THIS WORLD!

Welcome to Dmitiri Mamrukov.  Dmitiri began working for Lift at New York Life Insurance Company in Clinton, NJ on January 12, 2004.  Dmitiri is seen in front of the Peter and Paul Fortress during a visit to St. Petersburg, Russia.  Welcome to Lift, Dmitiri!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to Pamela Ann Reed who was hired by IBM in San Jose, California on January 5, 2004 as a Staff Software Engineer in IMS Product Technology Support.  Pamela told Lift "I just want to say thank you to you guys for getting me this opportunity!! People out here are still having difficulty in getting jobs. I realize that I was given a tremendous opportunity and feel that I was fortunate to have been able to enter your program. You guys are great and keep up the good work in helping people!!"

BEST WISHES!

A photo this beautiful begs to be shared!  Congratulations to Craig Fabian, business support analyst at BOC Gases (and 1997 graduate of the Lift program) and his lovely wife Meg. 

WELCOME TO NECA, LIFT'S NEWEST CLIENT.

Jeff Mayer began working on a full-time assignment to NECA, as a web developer, on October 13, 2003.  After only one week, Jeff wrote "It's great to be working for a company like NECA. Everyone is extremely helpful and interesting and we're working on cutting edge technologies."

LOOKING FOR GRASSHOPPER?

On July 28, 2003, Lift welcomed another multitalented employee, when Wenshih Su began work as a technical consultant. Growing up in Taiwan with a physical disability, Wenshih was interested in martial arts, but unable to practice. Since he moved to the United States several years ago, he has not only learned English and accumulated some impressive work experience; he has also found a Shifu (Kung-Fu Master) willing to accommodate him. Wenshih practices Chi Kung, a form of martial arts that focuses on internal energy. He has a Master's degree in electrical engineering.

TEACHER IN THE HOUSE

Welcome to Valerie Porter, who began working for Lift on July 28, 2003 as a business analyst. Valerie is assigned to NCS, a Johnson & Johnson Company. She has a Master's degree in American History, and diversified experience in education and administration, including process management.

HELLO FROM CINCINNATI!

Boris Itkis began working for Lift at Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 28, 2003, as a web development specialist. Boris relocated from San Francisco, but this isn't his first time living in Ohio. Boris worked as a systems administrator and programmer for Ohio State University while taking coursework for a Ph.D. in mathematics.

MOVING UP

On June 4, Nisha B. wrote from ESPN to tell us that she has recently been given a mini-group leadership role. Congratulations!

WE MADE IT!

Dexter DeMurrell was hired on May 15, 2003 by IBM Techline as an IT Specialist. Dexter provides pre-sales technical assistance to IBM account reps and Business Partners and supports IBM pSeries eServers, Linux on pSeries, WebSphere Solution Sizing on pSeries, and AIX UNIX operating systems.

On the day Dexter was hired by IBM he wrote to Lift: “We made it! Thank you for all your support and battling all the challenges. This is a victory for all of us. Thank you so much, I could never put into words how much I appreciate all that you have done.”

TAKING CONTROL

Zack Anwar is featured in the cover story (and on the cover, of course!) of the Spring 2003 issue of the CAREERS AND THE DISABLED. Zack participated in the Lift program at the New York Life Insurance Company in 1993, was hired by New York Life as a computer programmer analyst in 1994, and is now working as a senior applications specialist. In the article, Zack shares some good advice: “Take control of your life to succeed.”

A WISH COME TRUE

Congratulations to Nataliya Bekker-Furman. Nataliya was hired by Johnson & Johnson on May 5, 2003 as an Information Management Analyst in the Client Support Consultant Group. Nataliya told Lift: “I made a wish….and you made it come true!”

CONGRATULATIONS BRAD!

On April 14, 2003 Brad Haupt was hired by Ortho Biotech for the position of Analyst, Security Services Coordination. His manager at OBI, Blair Meiser, sent out an announcement that concluded with: “ I am very excited to have Brad join our IM team. Please join me in congratulating Brad on his new appointment within our IM organization!” We do!

LIFT IS AN EN!

Lift is proud to be a new EN (Employment Network) under the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program. Under the Program, the SSA will provide disability beneficiaries with Tickets they may use to obtain the services they need from an EN of their choice. The goal of the Ticket Program is to give disability beneficiaries the opportunity to achieve steady, long-term employment by providing them greater choices and opportunities to go to work.

For more information, please visit yourtickettowork.com

CHAMP!

Okay, Lift doesn’t actually train professional athletes. And we acknowledge that Nisha is not the only Technical Producer at ESPN.com, but as far as we’re concerned, this Lift graduate is a champion. Look for her work on SportsNation, Tennis, Minor League Sports and the Front Page.

NEW CONTRACTOR IN THE NEW YEAR

Welcome to Pamela Ann Reed, who began working at IBM in San Jose, California on January 6, 2003 as a technical support specialist. Pamela comes to Lift with many years of experience in software development. After only a week, Pamela noted "My job is great -- the people here are very helpful and friendly; I already feel that I belong!

NEW FREEDOM INITIATIVE AWARD

On November 21, 2002, Lift, Inc. was very honored to receive the inaugural New Freedom Initiative Award. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao and Assistant Secretary Roy Grizzard presented the award at a ceremony in the Great Hall of the Department of Labor. Please click here for further information about the award, for links to speeches by Secretary Chao and Dr. Grizzard, and for additional photographs of the event.

NEW CONTRACTOR, NEW CLIENT

Congratulations to Brad Haupt, who began working as a contractor with our newest client, Ortho Biotech, on October 28, 2002. Welcome to Ortho Biotech and best of luck to Brad!

LIFT PRESENTS AWARDS

In honor of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Donna Walters Kozberg, President of Lift, Inc., announced two very special awards on October 24, 2002.

The Mentor of the Year Award was presented to Richard David, Manager, Corporate Information Management at Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick, NJ.

Richard Wasilius, Vice President, Corporate Information Management at Johnson & Johnson was recognized for his outstanding commitment to Lift and its mission.

Read the complete press release.

PASSWORD, PLEASE!

Lift is pleased to welcome Brad Haupt, who began an intensive course of training in information security on September 30, 2002. Brad comes to Lift with a strong background in telecommunications, and is quickly discovering that his old high school algebra is more useful than he could have imagined it would be.

RIGHT BACK AT YOU!

Congratulations to Carl Mickla, who was hired by IBM in Poughkeepsie on September 16, 2002. Carl continues to work as a software engineer in the Z/OS Software Development Group in Poughkeepsie, New York. Carl sent a thank you note to Lift, which ended much as his progress reports always did: “Have a good one. Later, Carl.” From all of us: Have a great one, Carl!

ALL WRITE!

Mark Ruddell began working at IBM in San Jose, California as a Technical Writer on June 17, 2002. After only two weeks, Mark noted: "I am impressed at how quickly IBM has integrated me into the Publications department. My teammates have all been very helpful and encouraging." Good luck, Mark!

CONGRATULATIONS, DAD GRAD!

Joe Misciascio sure knows how to show his children the importance he places on education! While juggling a demanding job as a software engineer at Verizon in Freehold, New Jersey and managing the no-less-demanding work of being a proud father of four children under the age of six, in January, 2002 this graduate of the Lift program earned his Masters degree in Computer Science from the New Jersey Institute for Technology. Congratulations!

SUPERSTAR!

On May 2, 2002, Dexter DeMurrell was awarded the 2002 Student of the Year award by the Association of Rehabilitation Programs in Computer Technology. The ARPCT is an international organization of programs that provide training in computer technology to individuals who have disabilities. The annual award recognizes significant achievement by a student or graduate of an ARPCT program. Lift is proud to have been a member of ARPCT since its early years, and we are certain that Dexter's friends and coworkers at IBM share our pride in Dexter's outstanding accomplishments. To read more about Dexter, see our Spotlight page.

TEACHER FOR A DAY

On April 24, 2002 Adrienne Sherman, Lift's Administrative Manager, spoke to the second grade students at Hamilton Primary School in Bridgewater, New Jersey, as part of the school's Disability Awareness Day. Adrienne introduced the students to some of the simple tools and complex technologies that children and adults who have disabilities can use to enhance their lives, their studies, and their careers. She taught the students some basic facts about different types of disability, discussed rules of etiquette and common sense, and came away feeling energized by the young participants' enthusiasm.

CARD ARTIST LANDS JOB

On February 25, 2002, Jeffrey Mayer, the artist who designed the card that appeared on this website during the recent holiday season, began working for Lift with a full-time assignment to Ethicon. A one-time independent video producer, and later mainframe programmer with an unquenchable love of graphics and new technologies, Jeff is working as an e-commerce specialist.

MATTERS OF STATE

On February 8, 2002, Lift, Inc., at the invitation of The United States Department of State's Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, participated in the exciting International Program for Disabilities Advocacy. Lift's Director of Program Services, Ron Kozberg, discussed Lift's program and philosophy with members of the executive staff of the Asociación Dominicana de Rehabilitación, Inc., the largest rehabilitation provider in the Dominican Republic, at the U.S. State Department's Office of International Visitors in New York City. After the presentation a question and answer period took place. Staff of the ADR were very interested in Lift's computer programmer assessment program and the range of assistive technologies used by Lift's trainees and employees. Lift enjoyed being part of such a valuable international exchange of ideas and philosophies.

AN UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE!

Ed Zolotarevsky wrote an article that was published in the January, 2002 issue of the Braille Forum published by the American Council of the Blind. Read the article.

TOP GUN!

Dexter DeMurrell, a Lift technical specialist assigned to IBM, completed the IBM WebSphere Top Gun Program on November 2, 2001. This training is designed to increase sales, solutions, competitive and technical skills for I/T industry personnel. The program ends with student awards given out after a challenging but productive week.

Dexter scored the top grade of 98% along with two co-workers and was one of four individuals out of a class of 31 who were awarded "TopGun."

DISABILITY MENTORING AWARD!

In 2000, to help kick off the first national Disability Mentoring Day, Lift, Inc. presented its first annual Mentor of the Year award. In the Lift program, corporate mentors can serve a variety of roles, from answering technical questions, to being tour guides and buddies, to being internal champions.

This year, as we were considering which individual should receive the second annual Mentor of the Year award, a manager at IBM asked if he could nominate eight people! When Carl Mickla began working on a full-time assignment to IBM, he had finished training in the basic skills and the new technology he would need, but that was only the beginning of learning all that there was to know about his new job and his new work world. Although Anthony Grech, the manager for Z/OS System Build and Installation, had volunteered to be the official "mentor," he quickly discovered that so many folks around Carl wanted to be involved he had to share his role with an ad hoc team who had formed to welcome their newest member.

In honor of Disability Mentoring Day on Wednesday, October 24, 2001, Lift is proud to announce that the Second Annual Mentor of the Year Award goes to the Z/OS System Build and Installation Team at IBM. To see a list of specific honorees, click here.

WELCOME, LAURA!

Welcome to Laura Burger. On October 2, 2001, Laura began working as a contractor at Johnson & Johnson. Laura works for the Strategic Sourcing & Payables Team as a senior analyst. Laura is thrilled with "a great opportunity" and she is "looking forward to a long career."

WELL DONE, NATALIYA!

Nataliya Bekker-Furman has long had a dream of working for a company "like Johnson & Johnson." On September 24, 2001, she saw her dream come true in a remarkable way: she began working as an analyst at Johnson & Johnson World Headquarters.

GOOD LUCK, CARL!

Carl Mickla began working as a contractor at IBM in Poughkeepsie on September 4, 2001. Carl relocated from New Jersey and is a software engineer in the Z/OS Software Development Group. Congratulations, Carl!

THERE'S JOY AT NEW YORK LIFE!

Joy Gilson was hired by the New York Life Insurance Company on July 30, 2001. Last year, Joy wrote a few comments about her disability, technology, and new career. Joy has been Lift's resident perfectionist and humorist for the past year. We all wish her the best of luck!

CONGRATULATIONS NISHA!

Congratulations to Nisha B. After an intensive two-month training program, she began work at IBM on July 11, 2001. Nisha is assigned to the Creative Services and Solutions group in Poughkeepsie, New York.

WOW!

Congratulations to Eileen Murray. Eileen was hired by Verizon Wireless in Warren, NJ on June 25, 2001 as a Programmer Analyst. June was a busy month for Eileen. In addition to her new position, Eileen moved into a new home, celebrated her birthday and was married on June 30, 2001. Best of luck Eileen!

CONGRATULATIONS ED!

Ed Zolotarevsky, Lift contractor at Verizon Wireless in Warren, NJ, was awarded the Employee of the Month Certificate for May 2001. Verizon Wireless employees vote for the employee of the month and consider a variety of attributes, including productivity, performance and interpersonal skills.