Lower Shore Enterprises congratulates Erin Winters on her exemplary work placing individuals with disabilities into paid employment in the community.
Erin Winters became the first employee of Lower Shore Enterprises to receive a Governor’s citation recognizing her dedicated service to the state of Maryland by striving to increase inclusive community employment experiences for individuals with disabilities. Winters was one of only three individuals on the eastern shore to receive this award as part of Direct Support Professional Week.
Governor Hogan’s citation was presented to Ms. Winters by Deputy Secretary Bill Franks, of the Maryland Department of Disabilities, during a reception held at Lower Shore Enterprises. She was also cited for her part in changing Maryland for the better by promoting equality of opportunity, access, and choice for Marylanders with disabilities, and for ensuring those with disabilities have the same opportunities to live and thrive in their communities as all Maryland citizens.
“Working with Lower Shore Enterprises and local businesses has allowed me the opportunity to make employment dreams a reality for the amazing individuals we serve”, said Winters. “I am incredibly honored, and humbled to have received a Governor’s citation for my work with individuals with disabilities. I believe there is a job for everyone, and I’m proud to help people reach their employment goals”.
Winters has been employed by LSE for over five years as a Job Developer within the Career Development Center. She and the CDC staff assess individual skill sets, teach life skills, and work on career development skills such as resume writing and interview etiquette. Winters most enjoys developing jobs specific to the skills of each individual and pairing that person with a business partner in the community. “I’m like a proud mama when someone gets a job through hard work and determination”, says Winters. “It’s a big deal”. Winters’ primary responsibility is making business connections in the community and identifying positions within an organization that are a perfect fit for the individuals she helps place. Sometimes it’s a process, and she’s been known to go the extra mile for her clients. “It’s all about them”, she says. “They are the reason for everything I do”.
