The Art of Never Giving Up
Born and raised in Harlem, New York, Juanita has always had a deep thirst for knowledge. She was a gifted student. While other kids her age were roaming the streets, she spent her summers at Columbia University taking science and mathematics classes. “I was in junior high school. I was 14 years old then and […]
Honoring Our Heroes: The Healing Power of Faith and Positivity
It was a bright and sunny morning right after Memorial Day, which has always been special for Rick Motes and his family. I was scheduled to meet Rick at Georgia Regional Hospital, where he works as a landscaper for Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI.) The first thing that I noticed about Rick is his smile. He […]
National Guide Dog Month – BDI’s Cynthia Coleman Shares Her Guide Dog Story
September is National Guide Dog Month! In celebration of this month, we’re honored to have Call Center employee Cynthia Coleman share her guide dog experience. Read more below. I recently returned from training at Leader Dogs for the Blind Campus in Rochester, Michigan with my second Leader Dog, Dutchess, a 19-month-old Golden/ lab mix. My […]
Cynthia Hall Shares Her Story of Perseverance
When you meet BDI participant, Cynthia Hall, you’re immediately inspired by her tenacity and will. More than 40 years ago she was diagnosed with uveitis, resulting in permanent vision loss that led to her retiring from a position with the federal government. But, she didn’t let it stop her. Watch her story and see how […]
BDI Celebrates Veterans: Steven’s Story
Bobby Dodd Institute (BDI) is committed to creating opportunities for not only people with disabilities to work and thrive, but also veterans. In honor of Veteran’s Day 2021, we’re excited to share the story of BDI Call Center employee and veteran Steven Thomas. Thomas joined the Navy in 1987 but didn’t officially begin serving until […]
Fostering Second Chances for Career Growth
Illness and an unexpected career shift couldn’t keep Cynthia Coleman from pursuing a second chance at a promising career.
Vickie’s Story
Meet Vickie. When Vickie set out to achieve greater personal independence, she turned to BDI for guidance. Vickie has struggled to maintain a career and support herself over the years due to her disability as a deaf person and all the challenges that entails. After working through BDI, she was able to seek and secure employment. Vickie has since purchased her own car and moved out of her son’s home and into her own residence…
Jacqueline’s Story
Two years ago, Jacqueline was out of work, homeless, and battling thyroid cancer. Despite her years of work experience, Jacqueline’s job search was going nowhere. She worried that people were afraid to hire her because of her illness. One day she struck up a conversation with a fellow MARTA rider, and everything changed. Their conversation turned to Jacqueline’s struggle to find employment. The woman on the train was a BDI employee, and she encouraged Jacqueline…