Enable America Congratulates Gerdau Ameristeel

Tampa, FL, November 12, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Enable America is extending appreciation and congratulations to Gerdau Ameristeel, which will provide employment mentoring services to disabled veterans this Friday, November 13. In doing so, Gerdau becomes the area's first company to hold a mentoring session during Disabled Veteran Employment Mentoring Month.

"The sacrifice these men and women have given to our country requires us to support them when employment conditions are tough," said Richard Salem, founder and CEO of Enable America. "Gerdau Ameristeel is to be commended for recognizing that disabled veteran mentoring will help many become re-engaged in the workforce."

Enable America is a non-profit devoted to improving job opportunities for all people with disabilities. But during November the organization is turning increased attention to disabled veterans, in conjunction with Veterans Day on November 11.

Gerdau Ameristeel has previously participated in Enable America disability employment mentoring programs. Providing an on-the-job experience specifically to veterans at its operation in Plant City is the next step in an ongoing commitment to serve the community and its people.

"I think within our company we clearly understand the value, and the importance of diversity for the organization as a whole," said Mario Longhi, CEO of Gerdau Ameristeel. "We've always had engagement with veterans, they come back with a pretty good set of skills. This is a natural extension of what we already believe is the right thing to do."

Enable America is also working with another Tampa company, Clark Construction, on mentoring programs for disabled veterans in both Tampa and San Antonio.

"Clark is very committed to working with Enable America and helping promote jobs and mentoring disabled veterans because they give so much to our country," said John Omran, Executive Vice President of Clark Construction. "It is our duty to give back and do whatever we can to help provide opportunities, and show that life, opportunities and jobs are out there."

Those companies are just the start. Enable America is encouraging other businesses that want to participate as mentors, along with disabled veterans interested in becoming mentees, to contact the group via its web site, EnableAmerica.org

"The response from business leaders who we've contacted has been tremendous," said Steve LaBour, Executive Director of Enable America. "But employers don't have to wait to be asked. Any business that would like to participate just needs to contact us, and we will be happy to explain how they can become involved."

###

About Enable America: Enable America was established in 2002 by attorney Richard Salem as a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities find employment and live independently. The organization's Community Connections, Business Connections, and VetConnect programs unite members of the disability community and business community to raise awareness and increase employment opportunities for the 54 million Americans with disabilities, including our nation's wounded warriors.