Pictured L to R: DCI’s ESS Director Marsha Dippold presents the 2025 Business of the Year Award to Julianne Peer, Penn Highlands Elk and Brookville President.
Every October, Employment Support Services (ESS) at Dickinson Center, Inc. (DCI), recognizes local businesses that support hiring disabled individuals during our National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebration. NDEAM focuses on the values and talents that disabled individuals can contribute to the workforce. This year’s event continues to spotlight employers that promote vocational goals through our ongoing #InclusiveEmployers campaign.
DCI is extremely proud to name this year’s recipient of the Employment Support Services Business of the Year award for 2025 as Penn Highlands Elk. Penn Highlands has set the bar high as an example to other employers with their inclusive business standards. Penn Highlands, in conjunction with their contracted partnership with Crothall Healthcare, has allowed numerous individuals in the Elk County area to work towards independence by fulfilling their vocational goals. By promoting inclusion in the workplace, Penn Highlands Elk has afforded employment opportunities to numerous individuals by helping them to increase their financial independence. This is why we want to take a minute to thank Penn Highlands for all that they do for our individuals and also for the community.
“When provided with the opportunity, disabled individuals have much to contribute to the workforce and community. DCI is proud to work in cooperation with local businesses, especially Penn Highlands Elk, to promote inclusion,” stated Marsha Dippold, DCI’s Director of ESS.
DCI’s ESS team also wants to extend a sincere thank you to other local employers that promote hiring disabled individuals such as, St. Mary’s Area School District, Ridgway Area School District, Coudersport Borough, Elk Haven Nursing Home, Walmart, PA Driver’s License Center, B&T Cleaners, and Kaytee’s Restaurant.