Columbiana County group helps clients 'Reach 4 More'

A program in Columbiana County that helps people with disabilities find jobs is now into its second year and their successes are numerous.

The Columbiana Board of Developmental Disabilities started the Reach 4 More program to pair employers with clients and to help dispel misconceptions about hiring those with some limitations.

“Many people, myself included before I got into this position, I always looked at things as what the person couldn’t do, as opposed to what they can do. That’s been the heartwarming part for me to be able to place people like that into a business,” said Paul Anthony, job developer.

The matchup begins with a phone call to the employer and then the employee is taken on site to make sure it’s a good fit for the worker and employer.

Michael Reiner is a job developer at Reach 4 More while also studying journalism at Kent State University – he also has cerebral palsy.

Reiner handles a lot of duties and put together the Reach 4 More report to hand out to businesses they work with. He says working with the organization has been a rewarding experience.

“It’s wonderful, really, just to communicate with everyone in the loop and help out with a cause that’s dear to my heart. I know what it’s like to have a disability. I know the challenges they have to go through and it is great to help them out and help them be happy, and I am happy doing it,” Reiner said.

For more information on Reach 4 More and to find out how the program can help your business, go to reach4more.org.

Several businesses that are partnered with Reach 4 More include Dairy Queen, Giant Eagle, Big Lots, Home Depot, Pizza Hut, Walmart, Mountaineer Casino, Bojangles, and the Hot Dog Shoppe, just to name a few.

https://www.wytv.com/news/local-news/columbiana-county-group-helps-clients-reach-4-more-/1392862945