November 23, 2012

A local organization is giving people with disabilities new hope. A year ago Doug Welch was homeless and unemployed. Now the military veteran has a promising future.       

You'll never hear Doug Welch complain about working. He knows it's a privilege.

"It really provides a stability for someone who is coming from difficulties," says Doug Welch.

Retired from the Air Force, Doug suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. At times it has made his life very difficult. Recently Welch discovered a non-profit company called Prospect, Inc.

"There are a lot of disabilities that can keep you from working or keep you from being employed.  Prospect embraces that and we are accepted in the workforce," says Welch.

Prospect provides support and employment to people with disabilities. The organization made it possible for Doug to be a housekeeping supervisor at the Tennessee National Guard headquarters.

"Employers should never be afraid of a person with a disability or fearful to hire a person with a disability," says Audria Frattini with Prospect, Inc.

Prospect, which depends on donations, grants, and volunteers is giving disadvantaged workers a chance to succeed.

"A job for anybody is a huge deal, not only does it give you financial independence, but there is so much more that you get from a job," says Frattini.       

Doug Welch says his job has helped him heal.

"It's kind of exciting to be able to enjoy where you're working, and people treat us so nice here," says Welch.

Now he's volunteering and helping others, knowing how important it can be to stand in support.

"Living your life and loving it, and loving the life you're living," says Welch.

Prospect, Inc. started in the late 1960's in Lebanon. Many of its workers have jobs in state buildings in the Nashville area.

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Non-Profit Helps Disabled Find Jobs - John Dunn