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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 22, 2010		                     CONTACT:
Melanie Mowry Etters
Communications Director
(850) 488-4257

Goals motivate Green to success

By Ann Douglas - special to the democrat

Swanzetta Green knows how to dream big and achieve her goals.

Swanzetta Green was hired as a receptionist at the United Way of the Big Bend nine years ago. Today she is an accounts receivable clerk and on her way to receiving her associate of arts degree from Tallahassee Community College.

Nine years ago, she wanted a full-time job. Green has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair for mobility. She applied for and got the receptionist position at the United Way of the Big Bend — first goal met.

"I can't say enough good things about our team at the United Way. They had never worked with a person with a disability, but they welcomed me with open arms, "Green said.

And with each accomplishment at work, her responsibilities grew. Four years ago, Green was promoted to accounts receivable clerk — another goal met.

"She's a terrific lady and invaluable to our agency," said her supervisor, Ayesha Townsend, vice president of operations. "She will take on any task, always with a positive attitude, and stay with it to completion. I don't think the term 'I can't' is in her vocabulary."

Green receives services from Florida's Agency for Persons with Disabilities. October is Disability Employment Awareness Month. APD is highlighting the contributions of people with disabilities to the work force.

Green has always wanted to buy a house. In 2004, she and her family moved into their own three-bedroom home — another goal met.

Green's current goal is to complete her education. She anticipates receiving her associate of arts degree from Tallahassee Community College next year, then going on to get her bachelor's degree.

Besides working at the United Way and attending college classes, Green is a full-time mom of two girls, ages 7 and 13.

Recently, Green spoke before Gov. Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet on the importance of employment for people with disabilities. She received a standing ovation following her remarks.

When asked about her success, Green offered her personal motto: success without a struggle doesn't last long. By this, she means one can appreciate the success of meeting a goal for only so long, but then it's time to move on to the next one.

"Just take one goal at a time. It's doable if you concentrate on one goal at a time," she said.

This series of profiles continues throughout October, Disability Employment Awareness Month. APD supports people with developmental disabilities and annually serves about 35,000 Floridians. For more about the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, visit APDcares.org or call toll-free 1-866-APD-CARES (1-866-273-2273).