Congratulations to Volunteer Florida's Paul Martell: Public Employee of the Year!

Paul Martell (left) with Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp during the
2009 Able Trust Ability Awards Ceremony in Tallahassee.>>

On June 12, 2009, Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp awarded Paul Martell, Accessibility Program Director for Volunteer Florida, as “Public Employee of the Year” during the 2009 Able Trust Ability Awards Ceremony in Tallahassee.  The Able Trust Ability Awards honor businesses and individuals from around the state for their employment, leadership, and service to Florida’s citizens with disabilities.  Martell has been working on projects in cooperation with The Able Trust for the past 11 years including Project Impact, a program that enables high school and college students with disabilities to learn and develop valuable leadership skills through serving their community.

Martell’s ultimate goal is to achieve full inclusion of individuals with disabilities in volunteerism and service.  He works year round promoting and recruiting persons with disabilities to serve in AmeriCorps and addresses each individual’s employment opportunities, trains members and program directors, and assists in providing accommodations for members with disabilities.  Most importantly, he guides members so that they can make a contribution to the community that suits their individual talents, interests and availability.

“I wholeheartedly believe that everyone can give back to their community,” says Martell.  “And each day I encourage EVERYONE in communities to serve.”