Nobis Works Raises $103K to Help Those with Disabilities

Nobis Works raised more than $103,000 at its 16th Annual Galaxy of Stars Luncheon & Tommy Awards Ceremony on April 30, 2014 at the Cobb Galleria Centre.  

Georgia First Lady Sandra Deal and Nobis Works co-founders, former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Tommy Nobis and Bobbie Knopf, presented the prestigious Governor’s Award to Scott Hamilton, head coach of Paulding County High School’s football team, and The Kroger Company, represented by Micheal Cristal, director of Regional Operations. 

Reynold and Patsy Jennings of Kennesaw served as honorary chairs and Debbyn Milligan of Hiram served as event chairwoman.

The event highlights workplace successes of youth and adults with disabilities and other barriers to employment. This year’s event honored 24 extraordinary nominees in seven categories.

The theme of this year’s event was “The Power of Purpose,” inspired by Richard Leider’s book by the same name. In it he says, “Purpose fills us with passion, drive and direction.” That power of purpose can be seen every day in the clients served by Nobis Works and Reworx.  

      Winners include:

Governor’s Award and Barrier Breaker for Innovation Award

Scott Hamilton, Dallas

Governor’s Award  and Visionary Award for Outstanding Employer

The Kroger Company, Atlanta

Luminary Award for Volunteer Advocacy

Sammy Rosenberg, Roswell

Luminary Award for Professional Advocacy

Mohamad & Lynne Kassem, Fayetteville

All Star Award for Outstanding Employee

Josh Witt, Decatur

Rising Star Award for Outstanding Nobis Works Graduate

Robert Fowler, Marietta

Galaxy Award for Outstanding Program

Orange Duffel Bag Initiative, Marietta

Nobis Works is a community rehabilitation program headquartered in Marietta that develops and provides job training, employment and vocational support for youth and adults with disabilities and other barriers to employment. The annual Galaxy of Stars & Tommy Awards event highlights the achievements of persons with disabilities and the employers, advocates, organizations and programs that support them. For 37 years, the nonprofit has provided job training and employment services for more than 24,000 individuals with disabilities, resulting in independence, confidence and success.