TAC Industries Wins 2024 SourceAmerica Innovation Award for Fresh Abilities

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio, May 14, 2024 (Newswire.com) - TAC Industries is proud to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious 2024 SourceAmerica Innovation Award for its groundbreaking collaboration with Fresh Abilities. Presented annually by SourceAmerica, the award recognizes outstanding achievements in creating employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

SourceAmerica is a national organization committed to increasing the employment of people with disabilities by building strong partnerships with the federal government. SourceAmerica consists of 570 nonprofit agencies across the country, serving 58,000 people with disabilities.

The award was presented to TAC Industries at the Achievement Awards Banquet during the SourceAmerica XForce 2024 National Conference in Orlando, Florida.  

Fresh Abilities, a quick-service restaurant launched by TAC in 2020, provides comprehensive training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities in the food service industry. The program addresses critical challenges faced by both the food service industry and individuals with disabilities, including labor shortages and high unemployment rates.

"At TAC Industries, we are committed to creating innovative solutions to empower individuals with disabilities," said Bridget Doane, Director of Business Development at TAC Industries. "Fresh Abilities represents our dedication to providing meaningful employment opportunities while addressing industry challenges."

The program's curriculum includes over 100 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on skill building, culminating in ServSafe Level 1 certification, an industry standard for food safety and preparation. Graduates of the program spend six to nine months working at Fresh Abilities before transitioning to employment in other food service establishments.

In 2021, TAC formed a strategic partnership with Clark State College to enhance the program's offerings and address operational challenges. Clark State provided access to kitchen facilities and equipment, as well as a trainer to deliver the classroom curriculum. This collaboration not only benefited TAC but also provided Clark State with a valuable food service provider on campus.

"The partnership with Clark State has been instrumental in expanding and enhancing the Fresh Abilities program," said Jim Zahora, Chief Executive Officer. "Together, we are creating a winning scenario for individuals with disabilities, higher education institutions, and the community."

Since 2022, TAC and Clark State have worked together to improve the program, expand outreach, and build connections with local food service establishments. Plans are underway to expand training to additional counties and to replicate the model at other higher education institutions.

"We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Clark State as we strive to positively impact the lives of individuals in our community," added Doane.

For more information about TAC Industries and the Fresh Abilities program, please visit www.tacind.com or www.freshabilities.com.

Source: TAC Industries