Koinonia Homes celebrates 40th Anniversary Luncheon with Steve Forbes as Keynote Speaker

CLEVELAND - Oct. 29, 2014 - PRLog -- Koinonia Homes celebrates its 40th anniversary with a special luncheon program -- Celebrating Our Past through Focusing Forward: Developmental Disabilities in Tomorrow's Workforce! – Friday, November 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center, 127 Public Square, Downtown Cleveland.

Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media, serves as Keynote Speaker. In addition to Mr. Forbes, speakers include Ohio Economist Bill Lafayette Ph.D. and comedian and ADA advocate Chris Fonseca.

The event will address the workforce development initiative and how the developmental disability community can play an active part in the success of the economic and employment resurgence. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2013 only 17.6% of those with a developmental disability were employed. Of those without a disability, 64% were employed. The federal government is requiring the workforce to be comprised of at least 7% of workers who have a disability.

Headquartered in Independence, Koinonia is the largest private provider of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Cuyahoga County. Employing more than 500 people, Koinonia opened its doors in 1974 with a vision to serve adults with mild to profound intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and create environments in which those individuals can flourish.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our 40 years of partnering with adults with developmental disabilities in Northeast Ohio and supporting them in leading full, rich, productive lives as contributing members of their local communities,” said Diane Beastrom, President and CEO of Koinonia Homes. “We look forward to continuing that partnership as together we seek to nurture opportunities for them to fully participate in the local workforce now and in the years ahead.”

Koinonia (coin-o-NEE-yah) is a rich, complex word of Greek origin. Community, partnership and generous sharing are at the heart of the word. The English translation means “fellowship.” Koinonia’s long-term care services are provided to individuals living in 22 shared living homes (24/7 care); 50 supported living sites; and 3 Host Homes. In addition to residential services, The Center at Koinonia serves day support, vocational and career needs.Total enrollment in the organization's residential, day, vocational and career programs is 459. Koinonia enriches lives through superior care and extensive programming, responsive to each person's needs.

Individual seats, priced according to location, are available for $100, $150, $175 and $200. Tables and corporate sponsorships are also available. Registration deadline is November 7. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Barbara Becker by phone at 216-532-8329 ext. 351 or via email at barbara.becker@koinoniahomes.org. Visit Koinonia Homes online atwww.koinoniahomes.org; follow the organization on Twitter at @KoinoniaCares.