Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System Leads the Charge in Disability Employment Awareness Through Transformative Partnerships
December 20, 2023
Baton Rouge, LA — Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (FMOLHS) continues its unwavering dedication to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by spearheading Disability Employment Awareness initiatives in partnership with leading organizations. These collaborations signify a pivotal step in fostering a more inclusive workforce within the healthcare sector.
In an effort to provide individuals with developmental delays and cognitive differences with greater opportunities in the workforce, FMOLHS has created strategic partnerships with the following organizations: Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) Program for Successful Employment, University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL) Life Program, ARCO Customized Employment and GB Cooley Life Services.
These collaborations transcend conventional employment approaches, aiming to empower individuals by tailoring roles to their unique abilities and fostering an environment where diverse strengths are celebrated.
"We're dedicated to not only advocating for equal opportunities but also actively creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected,” said Tina Schaffer, FMOLHS Vice President of Talent Strategy and Chief Diversity Officer. “Our commitment to embracing diverse talents isn't just a statement; it's a testament to our belief that every individual, regardless of ability, enriches the fabric of our organization.”
The success stories emerging from these partnerships highlight the impact of inclusivity within the FMOLHS workforce. Individuals are thriving in roles that leverage their unique strengths, underscoring the transformative potential of tailored employment opportunities, from patient care to administrative functions and facility maintenance.
“I am very thankful for the opportunities that have been given to me,” said Jack Mays, mail clerk at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. “I like having a purpose and I like telling people that I have a job.”
Through these collaborations, FMOLHS aims to redefine Disability Employment Awareness, showcasing tangible outcomes that highlight the advantages of inclusive workplaces.
To learn more about Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System and its commitment to diversity and inclusion, please visit fmolhs.org/dei.
About the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System
The Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System is one of the largest healthcare systems based in Louisiana and is the leading healthcare provider for more than half the state’s population. The health system is a non-profit, Catholic organization sponsored by the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady. Headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the ministry serves patients in Louisiana and Mississippi through a network of hospitals, clinics, physicians and integrated health systems. The health system’s unified physician organization is comprised of more than 1,100 adult and pediatric primary care physicians and specialists. The system’s nine main campus hospitals include St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge and Gonzales, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge, Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center, Heart Hospital, and Women's & Children's Hospital in Lafayette, Our Lady of the Angels in Bogalusa, and St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. For more information, visit fmolhs.org.