2020 was a year to remember, and for all the wrong reasons.  The pandemic gripped our country (and the globe) and we lost so many people to this horrible virus. Covid-19 impacted our economy, and forced us to lockdown, mask up, and socially distance ourselves from family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. As we head into the end of May, we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  People are getting vaccinated, and the rate of infection is down.

One positive sign is that our Hyatt Business Partners are seeing an increase in reservations and events.  That makes us happy – because Hyatt has been so good to our program, and the individuals that we serve.  For over 23 years Hyatt Hotels have hosted our PAID interns and given them the gift of Transferrable Skills, a Paycheck, and a Recent Employment Reference! Now it is time for us to give back to our Hyatt Family.  With community pride, we will offer our assistance with some temporary labor and candidates for permanent positions.  We will also encourage people to stay at Hyatt Hotels whenever they are traveling for business or pleasure.  We need to rally behind the folks that helped us grow Hands On @ Hyatt into a national model for work based learning experiences.  Hyatt’s Purpose is “Care for People so they can be their BEST”.  And that’s why they are the BEST Hotel Chain in the World.

Now that the pandemic is subsiding, we look forward to “getting the band back together” in Miami, Austin, Tampa, Orlando, and Palm Springs.  Plans are underway in these locales, and we should be starting again soon in other cities across the country.  Thanks again to our partners at Hyatt and Vocational Rehabilitation.  We couldn’t do what we do without YOU!

John Ficca, Director