COALITION FOR CITIZENS WITH DISABILITIES AND ITS LEADER HONORED
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
MISSISSIPPI BUSINESS JOURNAL AWARD
The Mississippi’s Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities (Coalition) has received three coveted honors this year from the Mississippi Business Journal (MBJ).
Most recently, the Coalition was named one of Mississippi’s Top Nonprofits. This award is on the heels of the Coalition’s executive director, Pam Dollar’s, receiving two MBJ recognitions: one of Mississippi’s Top CEOs, and as one of Mississippi’s Top 50 Business Women.
The Coalition is the state’s oldest cross-disability advocacy organization working on behalf of Mississippi’s 600,000 citizens with disabilities and serving as their collective voice. The Coalition’s mantra is, “Opening Doors Together,” and is comprised of more than 45 disability advocacy organizations and community and corporate sponsors. It is also home to the state’s only Parent Training and Information Center, funded by a grant from the US Department of Education.
Founded in 1989, the Coalition was born out of the nationwide fight to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act and has since led or influenced positive outcomes involving: public education; accessibility in public accommodations; community-based services; school-to-work and school-to-independent-living transitions; and it has worked to bridge the gaps that may exist between people with disabilities and the community at large.
Pam Dollar is the executive director of the Coalition and is the mother of a 30-year-old son with autism. Dollar’s affiliation with the Coalition began over 25 years ago, moving from volunteer advocate to board member to program director, and then to executive director. In addition to her work with the Coalition, Dollar started a side business three years ago as a sales consultant for Rodan & Fields, a multi-billion-dollar skin care company. In her work with the Coalition and Rodan & Fields, her son Watson is her inspiration.
MBJ hosted a breakfast at Old Capitol Inn on December 16, 2021, to recognize the Coalition and other awardees.
The Coalition, founded in 1989, is a nonprofit state-wide cross-disability organization comprised of people with disabilities, family members, professionals and advocates. The Coalition works collaboratively to expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life for Mississippians with disabilities and to empower them to reach their full potential in all aspects of their lives. For more information call 601-969-0601;
www.msccd.org~~~
