FEMA Employees Donate Mardi Gras Beads To Support Work For The Intellectually Disabled 

Release Date: March 9, 2009
Release Number: 1603-840

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NEW ORLEANS – In a concerted effort to help the intellectually disabled at the Arc of Greater New Orleans sustain jobs, employees of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Transitional Recovery Office in Louisiana will donate to them 1,338 pounds of Mardi Gras beads.

The Arc of Greater New Orleans-a non-profit organization that offers people with intellectual and related disabilities the opportunity to develop, function and live to their fullest potential-employs adults with disabilities to sort, package and sell recycled Mardi Gras beads in its Mardi Gras Center. The proceeds are used to pay center workers.

"Arc's recycled bead program not only helps us employ adults who may otherwise not have an opportunity to work and interact in our community, but it also helps our environment. This program is definitely a win-win situation," said Margie Perez, recycling coordinator of the Arc of Greater New Orleans’ Mardi Gras bead recycle program.

Aware of the mission of the Mardi Gras Center and sensitive to the array of challenges the intellectually disabled face, FEMA employees participated in the 10-day FEMA bead drive which ended Friday, March 6.

"We had a bead drive to promote a spirit of teamwork among our employees, and it was also an opportunity to give something back to the community," said Ralph Simcox, FEMA External Affairs resource manager, who spearheaded the bead drive. "By donating these beads, we are able to help adults with disabilities enrich their lives through work."

A group of FEMA employees will be delivering the beads to Arc of Greater New Orleans on Tuesday, March 10 at 10:30 a.m. at 925 S. Labarre Rd., Metairie, LA 70001.

FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation, to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.

Last Modified: Friday, 13-Mar-2009 12:02:31