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James Tyll
Director of Communications and Marketing
O: 240-492-1971
jtyll@melwood.org
Melwood offers a number of career opportunities to people of differing abilities. Find your new career here.
Dear Melwood Friends and Family,
Today marks the fourth anniversary of Giving Tuesday, the global day of giving. Now in its fourth year, Giving Tuesday was founded on the philosophy that collectively we can strengthen our communities by making a commitment to give back.
There are many reasons to support Melwood. Since 1963 Melwood has established itself as a trailblazer setting the standard for inclusion, employment and social entrepreneurship. In recent years we’ve taken measured steps to create new employment opportunities and a wider variety of supportive services for people with differing abilities. We’re customizing our programs more than ever, so they match the people we serve with the right job opportunity or in the right program.
When I think about a meaningful opportunity, I think about one of our Horticulture Therapy program participants, Tina.
From left to right: Clara Akinsola, Tina Ritchey & Shonti Liggins
Tina also works in our greenhouses. Tina is a shy and methodical worker. She takes her time in caring for the flowers, removing weeds, dead-heading, and pruning for shape. While Tina may take longer to complete her job tasks, she is thorough. Her attention to detail is unparalleled. It is because of Tina that the flowers at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts are so beautiful and thrive. Tina will tell you she is the best there is. And she's right. And guess what? When you are selling plants to the Kennedy Center, you need the growers to be the best. Quality counts. When I think of Tina, I think that someone took the time to find out her interests in gardening and to recognize her talent of attention to detail so she would be placed in the right opportunity. Someone taught her, coached her, and encouraged her to be the best grower in the Melwood greenhouses. There are lots of Tinas at Melwood: the custodians who became lead workers or foremen, an office assistant who manages our donor database, the grounds workers who now operate heavy equipment, and the computer dismantlers who learned to use power tools and forklifts. I could go on and on. When you support Melwood with a donation you are supporting our efforts to create these unique and meaningful opportunities. And I can assure you that your donation will transform lives, because I see it happen each day on our campuses and job sites.
Please join the #GivingTuesday movement by donating to Melwood today. And be sure to check out our Giving Tuesday video message where you will see first hand how your donation can make a difference.
On behalf of the people we support, I sincerely thank you for your support of our mission.
Sincerely,
Cari DeSantis
President & CEO
