Ronald Berglass and Frank Trotta, both supported by AHRC’s Employment Services Department, were honored with the STAR Award and a $100 gift card for their exceptional work.

Ronald Berglass works at BJ’s Wholesale Club in a job he’s very proud of. Ron assists with asset recovery, restocking or collecting items that customers have misplaced. He recently celebrated his first anniversary with the company. Frank Trotta works at American Shredding, a warehouse where he sorts and prepares a commercial load of paper products for disposal. Both have been in the workforce for several decades and are success stories due to their drive and determination.

Both Ronald and Frank receive employment support through the Supported Employment (SEMP) at AHRC Nassau. SEMP assists people with resume building, job search, and employment training while remaining a resource for them throughout their employment. Their support helps people who want to be as independent as possible navigate structures not built to accommodate them.

Ronald and Frank received these awards at the 2023 Talent Connection Job Expo. The yearly event invites job seekers to introduce themselves to recruiters from several industries to highlight their skills. At the three-hour event, words of support were also shared by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.

Nicky Faranda, Director of Employment Services and Social Enterprises, recently partnered with Family Residences and Essential Enterprises (FREE) to host a table at a talent expo. There, Nicky not only engaged candidates to inform them of the employment opportunities at AHRC Nassau and Wheatley Farms Social Enterprises but also networked with businesses seeking possible placements and volunteer options for people supported with SEMP and pre-voc.

The fair culminated with the STAR Awards ceremony and the proud smiles of Ronald and Frank.