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Welcome to Statler Center

Statler Center is a program of the Olmsted Center for Sight. Our job training programs are a unique and exciting concept in employment and training that provides individuals with vision impairments or physical disabilities with the right tools for successful careers in a rapidly growing industries such as hospitality, customer service and contact centers.

STEP Graduate Gets Hired at M&T Bank  

Heather and Nixie, shown with Diane Bittner (left) and Mary McDermott (right) of M&T Bank.

Heather Brenton, graduate of the 4th STEP class, is now working for M&T Bank as a telephone service representative! This is a landmark hire for M&T Bank as Heather is their first blind telephone service representative. Through a collaboration between M&T Bank and Statler Center, Heather is able to access the programs she needs using a custom headset, JAWS (screen reading program), and an 80 cell Braille display. Her headset allows her to hear JAWS in one ear and to hear the customer in the other ear. Talk about multitasking!

Over the summer, Heather moved to Buffalo from Saint Louis, Missouri to accept the position. She is excited about both her new city and new job. Also excited is her guide dog, Nixie, who has done an excellent job helping Heather learn new environments.

Statler's Workplace Support Specialist, Jennifer Beard, says "Heather is always one to set new goals for herself, and is committed to learning as much as she can in the hopes of moving up the ladder at M&T. She is happy to have been part of the breakthrough for others who may work there in the future and is an inspiration for all of our graduates."

The Statler Training & Employment Program (STEP) is possible through the generous support of Lavelle Fund for the Blind, Avaya Corporation and the participation of M&T Bank.

Statler Announces Class Dates for 2010

Statler Center has announced its schedule for its Buffalo Job Training Program for 2010 with courses specializing in hospitality related careers. Additionally, the Statler Training and Employment Program (STEP) dates were released, specializing in customer service and contact center training. Both multi-week programs focus on all the skills required for students to find exciting employment opportunities upon graduation.

Statler: January 20 - April 1, 2010
STEP: March 15 - April 30, 2010
Statler: May 18 - July 29, 2010
STEP: July 12 -  August 27, 2010
Statler: September 8 -  November 18, 2010

Interested? For more information please contact: Jeff Pease at 716.888.4526

Statler Graduate Working in Miami at New Marriott

Troy Cleveland is the kind of person who always has a smile for everyone. Lately he has even more reason to smile as he is working for Marriott as a houseman at the brand new Residence Inn by Marriott Miami Airport South.

His job is a very important one for the hotel's guests--Troy keeps the laundry moving! In addition, he keeps all floors supplied with linens, towels, and of course the little shampoos. He also assists the housekeepers as needed. Supervisor Trina Browne says, "Troy is hard working and plays a large part in the housekeeping department with control over the linen."

Since opening, the hotel's occupancy has only grown, and Troy says he loves working for Marriott. He enjoys working with his co-workers, and the hotel guests.

Troy graduated earlier this year from Statler Center's second Orlando job training program and was also the Beacon of Light Award winner. His friendly, outgoing personality and can-do outlook are sure to take him far. We're all very proud and hope that others will follow his example.

The Orlando Hospitality Training Program is a collaboration between Statler Center, Lighthouse Central Florida and Florida Department of Blind Services.

Statler Center Receives $45,000 Grant!

Statler Center was awarded a $45,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo! This grant will be used to hire a Job Developer who will assist Statler Center graduates with finding permanent employment.

Statler's commitment to job placement is an important aspect of our service to our graduates and the community. We gratefully acknowledge this gift from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo as they celebrate their 90^th anniversary.