TEAMS@Work, Inc.
Phone: 404-717-2540
Fax: 770-516-6149
carl@teamsatwork-ga.org
“We were all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us.”
Our Mission
The mission of TEAMS@Work, Inc. is to provide productive and meaningful work and community integration opportunities to people with disabilities in a supported environment.
Our vision is to reduce the number of people with disabilities who are not productively working and/or actively participating in their communities.
Company Profile
Transition
As defined in IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) transition means "A coordinated set of activities for a student with a disability that is designed within an outcome-oriented process that promotes movement from school to post-school activities." Post-school activities include postsecondary education, vocational training, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, and community participation.
Employment
Employment is the largest gap area for persons with disabilities. Only 35% of people with disabilities work full or part time compared to 78% of the rest of the population. That means that people with disabilities have an unemployment rate of 65%! Two out of three of those who are not working would prefer to work.
Advocacy
Advocacy is defined as pleading another’s case; speaking or writing in support of something. TEAMS@Work, Inc. will advocate employment and social/recreation activities in the area of a person’s interests, aptitudes and abilities as well as other community integration of their choice.
Mentoring
A mentor is a role model and could be a family member, teacher, coach, co-worker or friend and can play an important role in helping persons with disabilities achieve successful integration in the work force and/or community. Our goal is to teach people how to create natural circles of support in their own lives as well as empowering communities to create their own small town environments.
Service
TEAMS@Work, Inc. is a service driven organization dedicated to providing several facets of employment and community participation for persons with disabilities. Our passion is to provide an environment where all people can work and live with dignity and purpose.
Board Members
Dr. Bassey Duke (President)
Fulton County Schools
Career/Transition Services
I am currently a Transition Services Coordinator for Fulton County Schools in Atlanta, Georgia; responsible for transitioning students with disabilities into various post secondary options. My education and training in Special Education have allowed me to contribute to the development and growth of many exceptional students both in the classroom and the community.
I have completed a Doctorate Program at Nova Southeastern University in Miami, Florida and wrote a dissertation titled "A Qualitative Study of the Perceptions of Students, Parents, and Businesses toward Career Development and Transition Programs."
I am happily married to a wonderful woman for 17 years with 2 boys in high school. I love to travel, read and am very active in my church as a Junior Minister.
Robert Irwin (Treasurer)
Director of Service & Implementation
Division of Small Business Accounts
Degrees & Life Experience
- B.S.B.A. - Slippery Rock University, PA
- Management Certification - Georgia Institute of Technology
- CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification attained
- 16+ Years in the Financial Services industry
- Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Pennsylvania - 7 year volunteer
- Enjoy golfing, sports of all kinds, and following the Pittsburgh Steelers
Michael Solomon
Mike Solomon, Connell Company's Vice President of Sales and Marketing, brings 27 years of business leadership and management experience to the board but most importantly a passion to ensure young adults encounter opportunities to pursue their dreams.
He and his wife, Patti, experience life through the eyes of their daughter, Jessie, who is 23 years old and lives life with vigor but through the challenges of autism. The Solomon’s also learn from their other two daughters who believe Jessie's intuition is the best barometer of a person's character.
Mike's business experience is in sales management positions covering domestic, international and global responsibilities across a number of businesses while living both in the U.S. and abroad. A native of New Jersey, he graduated from The Ohio State University where he received his degree in industrial/organizational psychology and later from Rutgers University where he received his Masters in Business Administration.
Julie Butler
- Masters Degree in Special Education
- 25+ years experience working with persons with disabilities
- Employed with Fulton County Schools — Transition Coordinator
- Married 27 years with two children
- Enjoys swimming, boating, all outdoor activities and regular time at the beach
Sue Burgess
- Bachelor Degree in Nursing from UK
- 25+ years experience working with persons with disabilities
- Employed with the Atlanta Regional Commission
- Married 26 years with two children
- Enjoys all social and sporting activities
John Eaton
Attorney at Law
Organizational Development Specialist — of Counsel