Chris Conlin, Smokin' With Chris Earns CCARP 'Employer of the Year'

The following was submitted by Carol Reilly, Vice President of Development for CCARC, Inc..

Chris Conlon, owner of the restaurant Smokin’ With Chris won “Employer of the Year” at the City of New Britain’s 23rd Annual Awards Breakfast. The awards were distributed by the Commission On Persons with Disabilities and Commission on Youth & Family Services.

After getting a tip from a patron, Chris had contacted CCARC and inquired about their Group Supported Employment Program. He ended up hiring 5 individuals with disabilities to clean his restaurant. Being a restaurant, he had strict cleanliness guidelines that needed to be adhered to. His new cleaning crew rose to the challenge. They were so good in fact, that Chris inquired about CCARC’s Housekeeping For Hire and hired an additional 5 individuals to clean his home!

One of Chris’ employees, Maryanne Fijalek won “Employee of the Year.” Maryanne has been working consistently through CCARC since 1984. She rarely ever misses a day! She has expanded to cleaning both home and business sites. Additionally, she volunteers at a local thrift store. Maryanne always perseveres and gets the job done with a winning smile and attitude!

Mayor Erin Stewart read a proclamation commending those who received awards.

CCARC is central Connecticut’s leading non-profit dedicated to helping people with disabilities. It was founded in 1952 and is committed to providing personalized services to people with disabilities to help make their dreams happen. For more detailed information about the services CCARC provides or how to support the organization, please contact Anne Ruwet at 860-229-6665. Additional information may be found at ccarc.com.

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