When Tommy Morris, 43, found out he was being promoted to a position at one of the new recycling convenience centers, he was thrilled.
Mr. Morris is developmentally disabled and has lived at Orange Grove since he was 12 years old. He has also been a dedicated worker in the recycling center since 1992, officials said.
The chance to work outside of Orange Grove and to interact with the citizens of Chattanooga has given him a boost.
In a letter written by Mr. Morris to Mayor Ron Littlefield, he said, “I will love my new job. We will get newspaper, mixed paper, cans and all kinds of stuff… My birthday is Tuesday, Jan. 16th. I will be 47 years old. I will have a new job.” (He mistakenly wrote his age as 47.)
Tommy Morris was set to begin his new job on Tuesday at the John A. Patten Recreation Center and convenience location at 3202 Kelly's Ferry Road.
Mayor Littlefield said, “Orange Grove is an important partner in our recycling effort in Chattanooga. Our relationship with OGC and its clients is vital to the success of our Recycle Right program. We are so lucky to have enthusiastic workers like Tommy Morris to assist Chattanoogans at the convenience centers.”
“By recycling you are providing members of our community with valuable vocational skills which are necessary for future employment in our community,” said Tera Roberts, employment supports director at Orange Grove Center. “With the addition of the four new convenience centers, Orange Grove will provide approximately 150 jobs to academically at-risk high school students and developmentally disabled citizens from our community.”
Log on to www.RecycleRight.org for more information about recycling in Chattanooga.