REP. ANDREWS HONORED FOR IMPROVING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOUTH JERSEY'S VISUALLY IMPAIRED POPULATION

On Monday, February 7, 2005, I was honored to receive the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program Award from Bestwork Industries For The Blind, Inc. in recognition for my work in Congress in improving the employment opportunities for the visually impaired in NJ and throughout our nation. Congress established the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Program(JWOD) to afford Americans who are blind or suffer from other disabilities, with the opportunity for productive employment. 
 
Bestwork Industries, located in my district in Runnemede, NJ, is a non-profit agency which currently employs 33 blind Americans. Nationwide, over 40,000 blind or severely disabled Americans have benefited from the JWOD Program.
 
Over the years, I have continued my working relationship with Bestwork Industries For the Blind to better understand how Congress can continue to improve the employment opportunities for our Blind Americans. In speaking with the current employees and touring the facility of Bestwork Industries, I am always reminded of the program's importance and its contributions to our nation's economy. Providing Americans with gainful employment is necessary in creating a stable and productive economy for our country and for future generations of Americans.
 
Bestwork Industries serves as a prime example of how government, business and community can form a unique partnership to offer employment opportunities to the visually impaired in NJ while simultaneously producing quality products and timely deliveries for government customers. I am pleased to lend my support once again in the 109th Congress for the continuation of this exceptional program.

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