Starkloff Disability Institute Wins "What's Right With the Region Award"

FEBRUARY 27, 2015, St. Louis, Missouri…Starkloff Disability Institute (SDI) is being honored with a “What’s Right With the Region!” award by FOCUS St. Louis, the region’s premier leadership organization.

SDI will be honored at a celebration on May 7, 2015 along with19 other organizations, individuals, and initiatives that are making a positive difference in St. Louis. The honorees were nominated by the public and selected by a panel of community judges for their impact and service to the community.

SDI will receive an award in the “Improving Racial Equality & Social Justice” category for the Next Big Step program, which helps find jobs and economic independence for people with disabilities. See the website http://starkloff.org.

“I hope this recognition will help shine a spotlight on the chronic epidemic of poverty among adults with disabilities” says Colleen Starkloff, co-director of SDI. “Our employment initiative helps lift disabled adults out of the chronic epidemic of poverty and unemployment. People with disabilities can and want to work, and when they do, the entire community benefits.”

“We are thrilled to be included among so many civic leaders who are doing great work to make the St. Louis region a better place,” says David Newburger, SDI co-director. “It is reassuring to see St. Louis moving in the right direction. Our mission at SDI is to create a world that welcomes people disabilities. This recognition is evidence that St. Louis is one such welcoming community.”

All in the community are invited to help recognize SDI and the other outstanding leaders at the 18th annual “What’s Right with the Region!” awards celebration.

What: What’s Right with the Region! Awards Reception and Celebration

When: Thursday, May 7, 2015 – 5 p.m. Reception; 6:30 p.m. Awards Presentation

Where: Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108

Cost: $50 per person; $35 for Young Professionals (under 30)

Register: Tickets are available now at http://www.focus-stl.org/WRWR

Co-chairs of this event are Ward Klein, CEO of Energizer Holdings, Inc., and Suzanne Sitherwood, President/CEO of The Laclede Group, Inc. Lead sponsors for the event include Edward Jones, Energizer Holdings, Inc., The Laclede Group, Monsanto and Wells Fargo Advisors.

Funds raised support the work of FOCUS St. Louis in developing leadership and building strong civic capacity. See http://www.focus-stl.org.