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News & Stories

Explore inspiring stories from abilIT graduates and stay up to date with program news, milestones, and community impact.

Participant Stories

Building a Second Act in Tech: Matt Henry’s Journey Through Melwood’s abilIT Program

In 1993, in a cramped college dorm room, Matt Henry built his first computer from scratch. It was equal parts curiosity and determination—taking components apart, figuring out how they fit... (continue reading)

Features

Leading the Charge: Al Heggins and abilIT Across America

When Alvena “Al” Heggins joined Melwood Community Services nearly two years ago, she was drawn to an organization that embodied innovation in action. Today, as Senior Professional Development Trainer for... (continue reading)

Participant Stories

From Lost to Limitless: How abilIT Helped Kimball Find His Direction

“If I could use one analogy to describe how the abilIT program impacted my life, it would be this: abilIT put me in a hallway full of doors—and all I... (continue reading)

Training Partner Stories

Building Capacity, Expanding Opportunity: ALULA Partners with Melwood to Launch abilIT in Western North Carolina

For more than five decades, ALULA has created pathways to employment for people with disabilities across Western North Carolina. Now, through a strategic partnership with Melwood Community Services (MCS), ALULA... (continue reading)

News, Training Partner Stories

Relay Resources launches Portland training program for neurodivergent tech workers

A workforce development program is now open with the goal of helping neurodivergent people find jobs in IT and cybersecurity. abilIT had its grand opening in downtown Portland on Monday... (continue reading)

Features

Leadership Profile: Emily Homer

For nearly four decades, Emily Homer has worked alongside people with disabilities, bearing witness to a profound transformation in how society sees—and values—these individuals. Now Executive Director of Melwood Community... (continue reading)

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