Stories

December 9, 2011

Amid the crowd along the waterfront of Cataño, Puerto Rico, Edwin’s smile couldn’t be missed.

The 29-year-old employee of The Corporate Source was among more than 500 runners and walkers at the 2nd annual YAI La Carrera del la Esperanza (Run for Hope) 5K, benefiting the International Institute for People with Disabilities of Puerto Rico (IIPD/PR), a member of the YAI Network.

Edwin had plenty of reasons to smile, including finishing the run in 25:25. More importantly, he was among hundreds of attendees proud to be raising awareness about the abilities of people with disabilities throughout Puerto Rico.

"I never thought I’d have a job," said Edwin. "Without IIPD/PR's Project ACE (employment training program) and The Corporate Source I wouldn't have any direction in my life. I probably would just be hanging out. Thanks to The Corporate Source, I have a job now."

IIPD/PR works closely with The Corporate Source (TCS), a member of the YAI Network, to secure government contracts to provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Pride and a sense of family resonated throughout the event, as the community of Cataño came out to cheer on runners and walkers as they wound their way through neighborhoods along the 3.1-mile course. Among the walkers was a group from YAI’s Leisure Trax program from New York, which had arranged a trip to San Juan to coincide with the event. Donning black "I Heart PR" T-shirts, the group enjoyed participating in the community-wide celebration, which also featured a cello and dance performance by several individuals with developmental disabilities receiving services from IIPD/PR.

"This is a day that makes all of us proud," said Joe Garcia, Director of Operations for the YAI Network in Puerto Rico. "You see people with disabilities running and walking alongside their friends and family members. And at some point you realize that it's all about celebrating the achievements of the people we help every day – whether it's helping train them for jobs, or helping them become more independent or to provide opportunities for friendships and inclusion."

Thanks to the generous support of so many corporations and caring members of the community, the event, to date, has raised $23,500 and still counting, which marks a substantial increase in funds and awareness from last year.

Blanca Cebollero, Communications Manager for Pfizer in Puerto Rico, and her colleagues Lori Ann Frontera, Human Resources Director, and Iris Cruz, Senior Specialist, Strategic Staffing, walked the 5K with their family members. Pfizer was the event's top corporate supporter.

"Pfizer is proud to continue its more than 25-year tradition of supporting people with developmental disabilities through the services provided by the YAI Network," Blanca said. "Expanding that support to Puerto Rico this year is especially gratifying for all of our employees."

Still wearing his runner's number 14 and a medal for completing the 5K, Edwin struggled to explain the importance of having a job with TCS working in janitorial services at the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Carolina, Puerto Rico, where he also provides janitorial support to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility at the airport.

"No words can describe how I feel," he said. "The staff is the best part of working for The Corporate Source. I am proud to be working for The Corporate Source."

Edwin also has a goal of opening his own janitorial company some day. "I want to show everyone that people with disabilities can be productive and do well," he said with that ever-present smile.

To learn more about the event or to participate in the next La Carrera de la Esperanza 5K on Sunday, December 2, 2012, visit yai.org/PR5k or contact JoAnne Kaplan at 212-273-6192 or joanne.kaplan@yai.org. For more information about services available through IIPD/PR or TCS, please contact the YAI LINK at 212-273-6182 or 1-866-2-YAI-LINK.