SourceAmerica

Type: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Employment Identification Number (EIN): 521007153
Mission: SourceAmerica is dedicated to creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The organization achieves this mission by partnering with a network of nonprofit agencies across the United States to provide a range of goods and services, primarily to federal and commercial customers.

History

SourceAmerica was originally established as National Industries for the Severely Handicapped (NISH) on June 26, 1974. It underwent a name change to SourceAmerica on July 1, 2013. One of two central nonprofits designated to support the AbilityOne Program, SourceAmerica plays a crucial role in providing employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or have other significant disabilities.

Services and Programs

SourceAmerica offers a variety of support services to its affiliated nonprofit agencies, including business development, contract management, legislative and regulatory assistance, engineering and technical support, and professional training. These services are designed to assist nonprofit agencies in securing federal and commercial contracts, thereby increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Key Programs:

• Pathway to Careers: A customized employment program aimed at matching job applicants with suitable employers based on individual profiles.
• Grassroots Advocacy Conference: An annual event where individuals with disabilities and representatives from the network meet with lawmakers to discuss disability employment issues.
• Design Challenge: An initiative that pairs high school and college students with people with disabilities to develop innovative workplace solutions.
• Employment Fairs: SourceAmerica has hosted job fairs, such as the "Journey of Employment" event during the Special Olympics, to connect Special Olympics athletes with potential employers.

Impact

SourceAmerica's network comprises over 500 nonprofit agencies, employing nearly 59,000 people with disabilities across the U.S. This network provides a wide range of products and services, including military uniforms, chemical protective suits, and American flags for the Veterans Administration. The organization also partners with prominent commercial entities, contributing to a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

Governance

SourceAmerica is governed by a board of directors, with permanent seats held by six founding organizations: Goodwill Industries International, National Easter Seals Society, United Cerebral Palsy, The Arc, Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies, and ACCSES.

Values

SourceAmerica adheres to core values of Integrity, Accountability, Passion, Inclusion, and Collaboration. It maintains a commitment to providing high-quality services and supports the ISO 9001 requirements for business management systems. The organization strives for continuous improvement in its mission to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities.