501-362-7526 info@maysmission.org 604 Colonial Drive, Heber Springs, Arkansas 72543

Continuing the work of our founder Ewing W. Mays

Ewing W. Mays always remained strong in his belief that there were many goals yet unaccomplished for the Mission. The founder of the Mission was familiar with continuing needs for appropriate housing, jobs, therapy and spiritual guidance for the handicapped. He was dedicated towards these goals.

 Mays Mission for the Handicapped, Inc. began 50 years ago in 1972 with a dream of Mr. Mays’ to provide employment and job training for handicapped workers.  From its meager beginnings the Mission has grown and is now housed in a 10,000-sq. ft. facility.

Today, the Mission has a data processing department, a prepress, and graphic arts department, a complete lettershop, a large bindery, and two large color printing presses.

Ewing W. Mays lost both legs during a shelling attack in 1943 in Sicily where he was serving in World War II. Following his traumatic loss and reflecting on the enormity of it, he said, “I became very angry with the military, with the medical personnel, but most of all I was angry with God for letting such a terrible thing happen to me.”

Young Mays became so despondent, a chaplain was sent in to talk to him. It was during this conversation that a spiritual seed was planted in Mays and he regained the will to live. He began to realize that a loving God might have a worthwhile purpose for him, even though he had no legs.

He attributed his turnaround to two things: discovering Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and falling in love with his lovely wife, Fay. They were married more than fifty years.

Mays accomplished many great things in his life as a disabled veteran. Initially he toured with a group of disabled veterans and sold war bonds and recruited employees for defense plants. Later he worked tireless hours with the Disabled American Veterans and toured overseas to bring hope to young men who had suffered similar losses.

All of these disabled young men told Mays how much they wanted to work and reclaim some productivity in their lives. In subsequent years, Mays was able to apply this principal equally to disabled civilians.

Mays always said, “The greatest satisfaction of my life has been the establishment of Mays Mission for the Handicapped which provides jobs and job training for so many handicapped folks. Our objective is to apply good, sound Christian ethics and principals to help our handicapped employees achieve economic stability and independence in their lives.”

We are committed to the vision of Ewing W. Mays. It has been 50 years since he founded Mays Mission for the Handicapped and we continue his work but we can’t do it without you. For more information on how you can help, please call us at 888-503-7955  or email us at info@maysmission.org today. And if you would like to donate to Mays Mission you can click the ‘Donate’ button on this page, we accept donations through paypal.

Thank you for supporting people with disabilities!

Ewing W. Mays with President Truman

We are so proud of Kinshuk!

Here at Mays Mission we are always so proud of the eager young students you help through your support of our scholarship program.

Kinshuk Tella is one of those extraordinary kids. And thanks to YOU, this rising star is pursuing his dream of higher education — and a future in which he makes incredible contributions to society — despite his disability.

A student at Miami University, Kinshuk is working toward a double degree in Environmental Science and Energy.

“I wish to be something much bigger than myself — that being the work and science toward preserving the natural world,” he says. “I can have the most impact with my work in a career such as [the public sector] … making more of a difference in sustainability efforts.”

Always seeking to do more, this inspirational young man maintains a high GPA … serves on a community leadership team … conducts meaningful geoscience research … In addition to his academic success, this inspiring young man serves as president of the Ohio Association of Blind Students, advocates on behalf of the blind community through the National Federation of the Blind, and teaches kids in a special needs marching band program that we were also able to help because of your kindness. 

What most people don’t realize is Kinshuk has Stargardt’s disease and is legally blind. Stargardt’s is a genetic disease that causes vision loss — and, unfortunately, there is no cure. But he’s never let his disability keep him from accomplishing whatever he sets his mind to … and his accomplishments are a testament to that. In fact, he’s one of the most accomplished young men we’ve had the pleasure of meeting!

Kinshuk has had to overcome many hurdles throughout his life because of his disability, but he has never let it keep him from accomplishing whatever he sets his mind to.

“He has put in hours of hard work … and I have never heard him complain once about his disability. He excels at whatever obstacle he faces,” says Kinshuk’s intervention specialist from high school.

Kinshuk has recently let us know he is currently prepping for this summer where he will be working for Tesla, the world’s most successful electric vehicle and clean energy company. The sky is the limit for Kinshuk. And you play a role in supporting this extraordinary guy. I hope his success and desire to pay it forward and help others brings you as much joy as it does us. If you would like to know more about our scholarship program for disabled students call or email us at info@maysmission.org for a free copy of our brochure “Preparing for College – Grants & Scholarships” and thank you for your support of Mays Mission’s scholarship program. And if you would like to donate, we accept donations through paypal here on our website and through facebook pay on the Mays Mission for the Handicapped facebook page. Thanks again!

“He is not here… for He is risen.”

The accounts of the resurrection of Christ described in the New Testament show several different reactions by the followers of Jesus. The women who went to the tomb early in the morning of the third day were frightened when they heard the angel say, “He is not here, He has risen.” The significance of what the angel told them did not sink into their minds. They were not only frightened but confused and bewildered by what they saw. They did not understand. Later on, when Peter came to the tomb, even he was not completely sure of what was going on. The disciples did not fully understand what had happened and one, Thomas, would go so far as to say, “I won’t believe in the resurrection unless I can see Him and touch Him.”

Eventually the followers of Jesus came to accept and believe that the resurrection was real and that Jesus was indeed alive! The savior appeared to many of them on several occasions following the discovery of the empty tomb. And Thomas had his opportunity to see and touch the wounds that Jesus bore.

But in this world today, we do not have an empty tomb to visit. We do not have others around us who have witnessed in person what happened in those days following the death of our Lord. We have only the written Word of God in the Bible to tell us about this glorious event. So everything we know and feel about the empty tomb is arrived by what we read and by our personal convictions and faith.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ, as exemplified by the empty tomb, is the single greatest event in the history of the world. The great Christmas story of His birth or any of the wonderful stories of His time on earth or the accounts of the horrible way he died, all must defer to the resurrection. For if Christ had not been raised from the dead nothing else would have mattered. By showing mankind His authority over the grave, God demonstrated once and for all His majesty, His power, and most of all, His Love for each human being.

During this “Resurrection” season each of us should pause and ask ourselves, “How do I react to the empty tomb?” Are we confused by it? Are we confused by it? Do we see it as simply a time to dress up and go to church? Do we see it as an opportunity to color and hide eggs so the children can have a fun time? Or do we see the empty tomb for what it really is – evidence of God’s love and grace for each of us.

We here at Mays Mission for the Handicapped would like to thank you for all that you do for the disabled. If you would like to help out in your community call us or email us at info@maysmission.org for information on how you can help. We can provide you with brochures free of charge. You can also donate to us through paypal by clicking the donate button on this page. Thanks again for you support!

Become an advocate for people with disabilities today!

What can we do to improve the lives of others, especially those with disabilities?

The dictionary describes an “advocate” as one who publicly supports or suggests an idea, development or way of doing something.

Here at Mays Mission, our primary goal is to aid and assist people with disabilities. Yes, putting to work those who may have difficulty finding gainful employment is one facet of our purpose yet there is so much more.

Public education regarding the abilities and capabilities of people with disabilities is of utmost importance. You see, through our various programs and outreaches, we have the opportunity to inform and educate the public throughout the country that given the opportunity, people with disabilities can become productive citizens.

Through our On-The-Job Training Program we have seen scores of people with a variety of disabilities come and go here at Mays Mission while others have chosen to stay with us. It’s heartwarming to know that some have bought their own homes, learned to drive and purchased automobiles, while some have moved on to bigger and better opportunities. Seeing people succeed and become more independent where at one time hope seemed lost is an indescribable feeling. This On-The-Job Training Program is only possible because of the kind hearts of our donors.

This is a special year for us here at Mays Mission. It’s our 50th year anniversary and we’ve set a goal: to aid and assist people with disabilities. Won’t you please join us?  Call us at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org to learn more about our programs and see how you can be an advocate for people with disabilities. We have a variety of brochures that were produced by disabled employees right here at Mays Mission that you can distribute in your community to help raise awareness. And if you would like to donate, we accept donations through Paypal, just click the donate button on this page. Thank you so much for your help in our 50th year of serving the disabled!

Some kind words from our friends…

We often get little hand written notes from our donors and people we have helped letting us know how much they appreciate us and thanking us for our service. Sometimes they write the notes on the notepads we mail out to our donors that are printed and assembled by disabled workers here at Mays Mission. We thought we would share some of these kind words from our wonderful friends:

To: Mays Mission,

Thank you for helping us in our time of need! We appreciate all you have done. We are so impressed with the way Mays Mission has helped not only my family but so many others. Mays Mission is truly a blessing to our community. Thank you again.

Sincerely,

Lori A.

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You’re doing a wonderful service – Bless your organization! Peace of the Lord be with all of your staff this holiday season.

Warm Regards,

Roger

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Thank you for all you do.! God loves you and so do we! Praying for you. Please read inside for a blessing.

God bless you for helping disabled people get a job. Getting disabled people able to take care of themselves is good too.

Sincerely,

Mark E.

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Best Wishes to all your endeavors to reach out to and help handicapped people.        

Sincerely,

J.C.

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Dear Sherry,

Please tell Keith I like the pad and two bookmarks. I like the Sue Williams and Eleanor Rooselvelt sayings and the bookmarks will not crumble after the first use. I will enjoy them!

Thank You!

Shirley H.

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To all the staff at Mays Mission:

Over these last 10 years your mailed inspirational and Christian thoughts have been a blessing to me – Especially the “New Hope” booklet. I hope you have two extra copies to send me to share with family members. Thank  you and God bless you in your priceless gifts to thousands..

The Saunders

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Dear Jessica,

I would like to say thank you for sending me the address books I’ve requested and the history of your company. It was a wonderful newsletter. We always have hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.  Each day is a day that God has given us, and each moment of that day is in His hands. I will always keep you and your staff in my prayers and may this new year bring with it good health, peace and joy to all of you!

Riley

P.S. I loved the Collection of Special Verses

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Sherry,

Thank you for my Friends and Family Address book – very useful and nice. Thank your workers for me, OK?

 Dorothy

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I praise you for your wonderful work. Thank you for your gifts.

Sincerely,       

Lois H.

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Thank you for sending the “Friends & Family Address Book” for my phone calls. Life’s fast and I’m a little slow! The Pocket Calendar is perfect for my purse.

Thanks Again,

Michelle

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I hope that this donation will help you in all your good work. You will be rewarded in a big way someday. I just read your booklet “New Hope”. God Bless you and keep you safe.

Love,

Eleanor

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We here at Mays Mission get little notes and messages like this all the time and we appreciate the kind words so much! And we appreciate our donors so much too! If you would like information on how you can help the disabled in your community please call us at 888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org today. And if you would like to donate just click the ‘Donate’ button. We accept donations through Paypal. Thanks so much!

Have A Heart

February is “Heart Awareness Month” and Valentine’s Day brings to mind a time to show our love to those we care about. In addition, February has become associated with the Random Acts of Kindness program. Random acts of kindness are especially appreciated by caregivers, the elderly and those in hospitals and nursing homes.


Here are some suggestions to make this a special time of year. Most can be adapted to individuals as well as the various care facilities in your community. Just check with any care facilities you want to volunteer at on Covid restrictions first:


Volunteer to read out loud to individuals or care facility groups.


Drop in for a chat and bring a treat such as a ready-to-heat casserole.


Arrange for a two-hour housecleaning session.


Volunteer to take an elderly neighbor out to run errands.


Send scenic postcards to patients in a local care facility that don’t have any relatives.


If you have musical talents, volunteer to lead a sing-along session at a local care facility.


Enjoy baking? Drop off a plate of cookies or some cupcakes.


Enjoy gardening? Help a neighbor plant or weed their garden.

And remember any help you can offer to a full-time caregiver is always appreciated!


For more great ideas on how you can help in your community call us toll free at 888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org today. We also have free brochures that we can send you and you can share with others. Thank you for your support!

Mays Mission is celebrating its fiftieth year!

Mays Mission is celebrating our fiftieth year of serving the disabled in 2022. Our goals at Mays Mission for the Handicapped were set over 50 years ago by our founder, Ewing W. Mays.

Ewing W. Mays lost both of his legs, as a young man, in WW II. He spent many months in the hospital. After numerous surgeries and much rehabilitation, he learned how to walk on artificial limbs. He realized that during his time in the hospital not one person with a similar disability had visited him. He decided that he would be the person who would visit those who were facing the same situation he had faced. That is exactly what Ewing W. Mays did.  And his first goal was attained.

To help pay for his tours of veterans and rehabilitation hospitals he depended on the donations of others, who he reached by direct mail.  Out of those donations, he had to pay his travel expenses, and, on top of that, he had to pay others to produce his mail pieces. What if he could train and hire other persons with disabilities to print his mail pieces, and do the mailings? Thus Mays Mission for the Handicapped was born and the goal of training and employing persons with disabilities through our on-the-job training program was set in to motion.

Over the years, we have added other programs besides veterans home tours and on-the-job training, such as our summer camperships for people with disabilities. These campership programs make it possible disabled youth and adults to enjoy things like fishing, camping, hiking and other fun in the sun activities that their able-bodied peers can take for granted. And don’t forget about our scholarship program for aspiring disabled young people who want to broaden their horizons and have same futures afforded to everyone else.

We would not be celebrating this fiftieth year milestone of serving the disabled and educating the public without the support of our loyal donors. Over the years we have set the goals, but we only attain them with your help and generosity. Besides the kindness of your much appreciated donations, you can help by raising awareness in your community. We can provide you with free brochures to help. And if you would like some of our gift paks to distribute to nursing homes or veterans homes in your area (check with these institutions on covid regulations first), we would be happy to send some gift paks to you. Just call us toll free at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org today! We are truly blessed to have your support and we thank you!

Goodshop

We just wanted to let our supporters know that you can help earn funds for Mays Mission for the Handicapped for free virtually every time you shop online! Just go to https://www.goodshop.com and after you register choose Mays Mission for the Handicapped as your cause. Find the best deals at thousands of stores, and they’ll donate to Mays Mission when you shop! And, be sure to spread the word!

Thanks for your support of Mays Mission for the Handicapped.

Reflection, Celebration and Resolution

A New Year always brings about a time of reflection, celebration and resolution. We think back on the good times and, too, some things we would rather forget and put behind us.


One of the bright spots here at Mays Mission is the fact that over half of our production department is people with disabilities. It’s pleasing to see people attempting to make something of their lives when it may be just as easy to sit back in an “easy chair” and do nothing. These people have made the decision to work for a living.


It always thrills me to see someone trying to better themselves by contributing to the system instead of being a burden on it. Although some of them may not make it in the outside world of helter-skelter competition, they choose to work here at Mays Mission.


One of the goals and part of our mission is to educate the public about the potential of people with disabilities. We do this not only through outreach programs and referral services but also through the printing of brochures and newsletters. These are printed, folded, inserted and mailed by our employees.


Our disabled employees put their heart and soul into these publications. We offer them the opportunity to work and be productive. When they seize this opportunity, in my opinion it’s reason to celebrate!


Call us at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org for a free copy of our brochure “On-The-Job Training” today. Here’s wishing you and your family and friends a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Consider Jesus…

Say the word “Christmas” and tell me the first thought that pops into your head. Was it trees, giving, Santa Claus, season, children? If so, do not feel alone. Our culture has changed. What once used to be a sacred, solemn, Christian celebration has turned into a lack-luster “religious” time where merchants cash in on seasonal profits.

We have taken Christ out of Christmas by choice. The baby Jesus, born in a manger and wrapped in swaddling clothes, probably the most humble of beginnings for a king, ranks low on the list when it comes to the focal point of this celebratory time. Santa Claus, decoration contests, and credit card debt have taken the place of giving thanks for the greatest gift ever given – God, in the form of man (Philippians 2:5-7, KJV).

Thank God, there is always hope! We can make the decision to make this Christmas Christ-centered. Is it wrong to give gifts? No way! Give them in the spirit of God giving us the Savior of the world. Decorate as though you were preparing for the King’s arrival. Last and most important, consider Jesus. Truth is truth. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 KJV). This is without a doubt the greatest gift ever given.

Have a blessed, Christ-centered Christmas and feel free to share in the comments section. And if you or someone you know is disabled and has travel plans this holiday season call us at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org for a free copy of our brochure “The Disabled Traveler” and thank you for supporting Mays Mission for the Handicapped as we go into our 50th year of service to the disabled.

What is this gift giving all about?

            Many families open their presents on Christmas Eve; others the next morning. Whether it’s Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, there will be a group of individuals who will be working on this day. They will provide needed services for the world at large and specifically for those who are disabled or elderly.

            What is this gift giving all about? When the Three Wiseman visited the manger scene in Bethlehem to see The Christ Child, they brought with them gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh- unique gifts for a special person. God had provided the gift, the givers, and the receiver.

            There is no finer, precious gift than that which came to the world on what we now call Christmas Day – the tiny baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.

            Other individuals have given gifts beyond their means including the widow who gave two coins. That was all she had. She gave them willingly – not expecting anything in return. The widow was in church that day and the chimes had not rung for years. There had not been a gift given that was worthy to hear the bells ring. However, upon this day the bells tolled for a long period of time.

            So, what is it that you can do for someone else this Christmas season? The greatest gift you can give is yourself.

            Many of the aging population are on a fixed budget, yet they want to do something. Bake a pie, send a card, use the telephone, or make a decision to spend some time with that special friend. Let them know that you care.

            Many physically disabled or frail elderly individuals cannot get out. They cannot go shopping by themselves or at all. Offer to take them or, if needed, take their list and do the shopping for them. While the recipient will feel good about your “gift of time,” you will receive the blessings.

            If you are looking for something to do during the holidays, extend your giving of time until next year. Look for a long-term care facility, an aging program of your choice. But just don’t give yourself during this time of year. After all, these individuals need you year round.

            What is the gift giving all about? Giving to someone else, so they will feel blessed. You, too, have a gift you can give to someone else.

            Christmas is a time of sharing with what God has blessed you. When celebrating this season, please include those in your community who do not have family or friends near. The employees and staff of Mays Mission wish you and your family a most blessed holiday season.

            For free information about disabilities, please call 888-503-7955, email us at info@maysmission.org, or write to us and thank you for all you do for the disabled.

Serving

It may seem like a trite statement to say that “we have so much to be thankful for,” as we hear it every year around the Thanksgiving dinner table. Yet, for the vast majority of US citizens, this statement holds undeniably true. We live in a land birthed in freedom from tyranny that continues on to this day.

Some friends of mine have a tradition of going to a “food kitchen” on Thanksgiving Day to assist in serving the homeless and those who just can’t afford a hot meal. They tell me of how humbling it is to see these folks wander in off the streets for a hot meal. It makes them feel so blessed to have a roof over their head and food on the table. In doing the kind deed of helping others, just as Christ told us to do, they come away from the food kitchen feeling abundantly blessed for being obedient to the call of serving.

In hearing this, let’s consider doing likewise. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a food kitchen. There are a myriad of ways to serve your fellow man in this day or any other day to give thanks for the bounty with which God has blessed you. Invite someone over for a meal. Offer to take them shopping or to get to an appointment. Run some errands for them. Invite them to church. Often just a smile or a handshake will brighten someone’s day!

There are countless ways to “love your neighbor.” Think about what you could do, then put those thoughts into action.

If you would like information on disabilities, please call 888-503-7955, write, or email info@maysmission.org. We have a variety of brochures that we offer at no charge.

Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

Religious freedom for all

Even though the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed and fully implemented in 1992, not all facilities were required to become “accessible.”  The ADA covered “public accommodations” but has no authority over private institutions and organizations. So let’s talk a bit about “places of worship.”

Churches, synagogues, fellowships or whatever a place of worship chooses to be called do not fall under the auspices, rules and guidelines of the ADA.  Because these institutions are private religious organizations, they are not required to become compliant with Title III of the ADA regarding “public accommodations.”

Now, I have been in many places of worship and have yet to find one where I can’t get through the doors.  Yet once inside, many an obstacle has been found.  Probably the most annoying and inconvenient situation is an inaccessible restroom.  Classrooms and the like can easily be made accommodating but once the plumbing is in place it’s difficult to change.

Situations like this can be very discouraging to people with disabilities.  As usual, changes can be made (and should be) but it’s usually a slow process.  Change will not be made until the problem area is brought to the attention of those in authority.

Check out your place of worship for accessibility issues and report your findings to those in authority.  Try to get a plan of action to make necessary changes.

In a land that was founded on religious freedom, would it be a shame if we all were not comfortable in our respective places of worship?

If you would like more information or one of our free brochures like “Making Your Community Accessible” call us toll free at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org. Thanks and please share in the comments section.

Volunteerism

We can’t say enough about the importance of volunteerism. Ask any hospital, nonprofit organization or civic related agency and they will attest to the fact that volunteerism is their backbone, strength and support.

Volunteers do everything from answering the phone to driving busses and anything in between. Even professionals such as doctors, dentists and counselors often provide their services to clinics that offer care to low income families and individuals. Lawyers and paralegals often devote a certain amount of their time to those who could not afford their services on a walk-in basis. Volunteers often get out and do the leg-work that administrators just don’t have the time to do.

There are a vast variety of volunteer opportunities in every community. One of the advantages of giving your time is the array of work to do. Whatever your talents are, more than likely an organization in your community would be willing to put you to work using your skills.

So, what do you need to do to find out if you can assist an organization in your community? It’s as simple as calling and asking. Better yet, go to the agency and ask them personally if there is something you can do.

 Looking for something a little out of the ordinary? Call your state office of volunteerism. They should be able to give you a variety of places that are always looking for people to assist. You can also turn to the Internet. Just type in the state or city you live in along with the word “volunteerism.”

Helping others is always rewarding. Become a volunteer today. You will see new faces, make new friends and feel better about yourself for what you’ve done for others from your heart!

If you would like more information call us at 1-888-503-7955 or email us at info@maysmission.org and please feel free to share in the comments section. Thanks!

Labor Day

Labor Day, always the first Monday in September, also known as the “workingman’s day”, has many roots and origins as with any other national holiday. It introduces a yearly national tribute to the hard work that workers have made to the prosperity and involvements of our country.

The severe depressive economic conditions of the late 1890’s caused layoffs and pay cuts to thousands of railroad workers. Workers walked off the job and protested and joined by mobs of non-union workers. President Cleveland called in 12,000 troops to end the dispute.

Legislation was rushed through Congress and the bill arrived on President Cleveland’s desk just six days after the troops had broken the strike. It was then that Labor Day was born. On June 28th 1894 it was an official national holiday.

Currently, in attempts to assist people with disabilities entering the competitive labor force, Mays Mission offers on-the-job training to people with disabilities. Individuals with a variety of disabilities from blindness to quadriplegia, mental illnesses to slow learners have come and gone. For many the training was successful. “Some come and find out that employment is just more than they can handle, yet others have been with us for over 30 years” said Mays Mission President Sherry Niehaus. “Some stay and call Mays Mission home while others move on into other employment avenues, which is what we’re all about.”

Give people a chance. If you can’t get your foot in the door, of potential employers who focus on disability instead of ability- the disabled don’t stand a chance. People with disabilities need continuing advocacy.

This Labor Day, help us celebrate by committing to encourage an employer to hire people with disabilities. It’s not about labor unions and high wages – it’s about giving capable workers a chance to prove that they are worthy of employment. For more information, please call us at 888-503-7955  or email us at info@maysmission.org for a variety of brochures. Thank you for supporting people with disabilities!